No bail to rapists: Legal Adviser

Staff Reporter :

Dr. Asif Nazrul, the Adviser on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, has stated that the right to bail will no longer be granted in rape cases under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Ministry of Law’s conference room, he told journalists that if a rape case is not tried within 90 days, bail will not be granted.

Previously, bail could be given if the trial did not conclude within 180 days. From now on, no bail will be granted in rape cases.

The legal adviser also mentioned that if there is any negligence in handling rape cases, a specific law will be introduced to take departmental action against those responsible.

He further explained that earlier, a DNA certificate was required in rape cases, but since DNA testing facilities are not available everywhere in the country, trials were often delayed.

To address this, discussions will be held with stakeholders to introduce an amendment allowing judges to proceed with the trial and investigation based on a medical certificate alone, if deemed appropriate.

Dr. Nazrul added that in cases where the accused is caught red-handed, changes will be made to prevent delays caused by waiting for DNA test results.

Additionally, the government plans to set up DNA testing laboratories at the district level as soon as possible.