Slow medical reports fuel case backlogs

Slow medical reports are emerging as a key bottleneck in Bangladesh’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals, contributing significantly to delays in case disposal, with over 35,000 cases remaining pending for more than five years.

More than 35,000 cases have remained unresolved for over five years in the special tribunal like Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals.

According to the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association, around 150,000 cases are currently pending in 101 Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals across the country, reports the media published this year.

Of these, nearly 35,000 have remained unresolved for more than five years. On average, each tribunal is handling around 1,500 cases.

Under existing laws, trials related to violence against women and children are supposed to be completed within 180 working days.

According to association, an average of 1,370 days, or nearly 3.7 years, to dispose of a case.
The murder of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Comilla Victoria Government College.

Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Kazi Reazul Hoque, told The New Nation that no country in the world experiences as much delay in case disposal as Bangladesh.

He said delays occur at every stage—from investigation to final judgment—due to slow medical reports, difficulty locating accused persons, and negligence by investigating officers.

“Bangladesh still lacks a specific witness protection law. Key witnesses often avoid appearing in court due to fear, threats, and political pressure. As a result, offenders often receive the benefit of doubt,” Reazul Hoque.

On 20 March 2016, her bloodied body was found in bushes inside the Mainamati Cantonment.
DNA tests confirmed gang rape, but controversies surrounding the autopsy and investigation emerged from the beginning.

Despite unprecedented student protests across the country, police, DB, and CID failed to identify any suspects after years of investigation.

In 2020, the case was handed over to Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). Even after ten years, the mystery remains unsolved, and no charge sheet has been submitted as of 2026. Tonu’s murder has become a symbol of impunity in Bangladesh.

In 2020, a visually impaired teenage girl was raped in Pirganj. Even after six years, the trial has not begun. Her father has reportedly sold all his belongings to continue the case. In 2021, another young woman was abducted and raped in Mithapukur. Five years later, the trial has yet to begin.

On 3 March 2025, during Ramadan, a housewife in Ukhiya was gang-raped and died at the scene. The case is now at the trial stage after legal and investigative complexities, but no final verdict has been delivered yet.

In late 2024, a woman in Narsingdi became a victim of gang rape. Initially, her family sought local arbitration to avoid legal complications, but instead of justice, influential local figures pressured them.

Eventually, the woman was murdered. A formal murder and rape case was later filed, but despite the arrest of key accused, the case remains stuck in lower court due to legal obstacles and witness complications.

These are not isolated incidents. Over the last decade, almost a little rape case has reached final resolution.

Following nationwide protests over Achiya’s rape and murder last year, the government introduced the Women and Children Repression Prevention Ordinance, 2025, bringing significant amendments.

Deputy Attorney General S.M. Yunus Ali Robi said in an interview that the new BNP-led government has already taken initiatives to speed up trials, reduce backlogs, recruit manpower, accelerate police investigations, and ensure timely witness appearances.