The interim government has in principle decided to bring necessary changes in the existing Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, including introducing a provision, to have a tribunal to deal with child rape cases.

“A final approval (on proposed amendments) is likely to come on Thursday,” Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday afternoon.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers held on Monday with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

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Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.

Adviser Asif Nazrul reiterated that time for trial and investigation will also be shortened in line with the government’s efforts to deal with cases in an expedited manner.
He said there is no relation between the proposed changes and the case of Magura girl as her case will be settled in an expedited manner.

The Adviser said the DNA report of the Magura girl case will be found in two-three days and the trial of the case will begin soon and the case will be settled soon as there is evidence.

Adviser Rizwana said a good number of amendments were placed from the Law Ministry before the meeting and the Council of Advisers in principle agreed on those.

“We have already received some opinions and we will scrutinize these opinions tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. We expect the proposed amendments will get final approval on Thursday,” she said.

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Adviser Rizwana said lack of adequate DNA labs is one of the reasons for the delay in settling rape related cases and at this moment there is only one DNA lab.

She said the government decided to set up two more DNA labs quickly in Chattogram and Rajshahi.

The Adviser also said some judges will quickly be appointed through special Judicial Service Commission so that trial of rape case and other cases can be expedited.

She said they are observing that anarchy is going on in the name of damaging shrines and the government remained reactive with appropriate steps.

Adviser Rizwana said the government will in no way accept any shrine destruction and urged all to refrain from such activities.

The government also warned of tougher actions in line with the law if anyone is found involved in damaging shrines.