Definition of rape being changed in amendment: Asif Nazrul

The interim government has decided in principal to amend the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act-2000 inserting a provision of establishing special tribunals to hold trial of children rape cases.

Besides, the definition of rape has been changed and made broader with any object used to abuse anyone sexually being bought under the definition of rape. Noting that any form of rape is being included to the definition, it is being made wider.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul made the announcement at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy  after a special meeting of the council of advisers, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Monday.

The law adviser said it is expected that the amended act will be finalised on Thursday and its gazette will be published as soon as possible.

He said the rape incidents what occur in consent luring promise for marriage are a separate offense, while the trial and investigation time of the rape cases committed without consent has been reduced in the amended law.

Rape cases were hanged for years for lack of DNA reports, he said, adding that a provision was incorporated in the amended law that if the court can hold trial of rape cases without DNA reports if it thinks that trial could be held with medical reports and circumstantial evidences.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the press briefing.