The lack of a specific unit to help victims of gender-based violence with legal proceedings is hampering the search for justice, according to a draft report of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh (NHRC).
The draft recommended improvements to the case management process, court proceedings, and the manpower of relevant bodies, as well as raising awareness, to reduce incidents of violence against women (VAW).
The NHRC inquiry committee that prepared the report was formed in January last year. Dr Abul Hossain, project director at the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and consultant for the inquiry committee, presented the draft during a program at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka’s Agargaon yesterday.
The final report will be submitted in the near future.
“There is a shortage of judges for cases related to VAW, so it takes a long time to dispose of the cases. Besides, there is a problem with implementing existing laws. As culprits are not being convicted in a timely manner, other criminals are being encouraged to commit such crimes,” Dr Abul Hossain said.
He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to stop gender-based violence and child marriages, as well as a specific legal unit for victims.
“When victims of VAW want legal protection in the country, they currently do not have a specific unit to turn to,” the official added.
In order to solve issues with the case management process, the report suggested ensuring a women-friendly environment at police stations and healthcare facilities, properly listing the contact details and national ID numbers of witnesses in investigation reports, as well as examining and preserving evidence in a planned manner.
To do away with complications in judicial proceedings, all cases related to oppression of children and women should be taken under one unit. Witness depositions should be recorded as soon as possible, through digital means, if necessary.
The draft report also called for the immediate enactment of a Witness Protection Act.
Furthermore, it suggested establishing a forensic lab in every division and one-stop crisis centre in every district.
The VAW unit should include an investigation unit, administrator, physician, DNA lab and other components needed to swiftly dispose of cases.
Law Minister Anisul Huq said enacting a law alone was not enough to reduce violence against women. “The whole mindset towards women needs to be changed.”
Nasima Begum, Chairman of NHRC, said: “Criminals who raped any woman or girl received exemplary punishment in time. If news of their punishment was properly publicized, the number of incidents of VAW would decrease.”
