Bangladesh to reform law to protect dignity of rape victims: Minister
A bill regarding this will be placed in the next session of the parliament, possibly to be held in September
Law Minister Barrister Anisul Huq said the government is working to amend the existing Evidence Act, seeking to remove the provision to make "negative" remarks on the character of rape victims.
He said this on Wednesday while responding to opposition MPs' various proposals in the national assembly.
"According to Article 155 of the Evidence Act, there is a sub-section to raise questions about the character of a victim in a rape case which will be amended," he said.
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The minister hoped that a bill regarding this will be placed in the next session of the parliament, possibly to be held in September.
Speaking about the virtual court system at this time, the minister said, last year from 25 March to May, when courts were closed due to Covid-19, they became almost stagnant with a heavy caseload.
"Later, under the direction of the prime minister, virtual courts began and settled more than one lakh cases so far," Huq added.
Responding to a demand by the BNP legislator Harunur Rashid to release BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and send her abroad for treatment, the minister said, Khaleda Zia has to first confess her corruption offence and seek pardon from the president.
"Khaleda Zia was released on two conditions on the instructions of the Prime Minister at the request of her family. The conditions are that she will stay in the country and receive treatment from home. We accept it as an application under section 401 and it is effective," he added.
