The recent rise in reported rape cases across Bangladesh has sparked justified outrage and renewed demands for systemic change. From the rape of women under false pretenses to the horrific sexual violence against children, these incidents have laid bare the inadequacies of the current legal framework and its enforcement.
While the interim government’s recent amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act is a step in the right direction, it is far from sufficient. Bangladesh must undertake comprehensive legal reforms to address the multifaceted nature of sexual violence and ensure justice for survivors.
The amendment, which mandates a minimum of seven years to life imprisonment for rape under the guise of marriage, job offers, or promotions, addresses a specific and prevalent form of exploitation. However, it fails to tackle the broader spectrum of sexual violence. Marital rape remains unrecognized as a crime, leaving countless women trapped in abusive relationships with little to no legal recourse. Similarly, the rise of digital platforms has given way to new forms of exploitation, such as online harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, which are not adequately addressed by existing laws.
Moreover, the implementation of these laws is often weak. Delayed trials, backlogs in the judicial system, and societal stigma frequently deny survivors timely justice. Many cases are dismissed or settled outside the court due to pressure or corruption, further eroding public trust in the legal system. The absence of a victim-centric approach, coupled with inadequate support systems for survivors, discourages many from coming forward.
While the administration has announced that trial and investigation time is being reduced in the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, it is less about the time required and more about the comprehensiveness of the investigations carried out which needs to be improved upon.
Of course, the fight against rape and sexual violence is not just a legal battle; it is a moral imperative that requires collective action to fix our very culture itself. The civil society, activists, and the media have played a critical role in amplifying the voices of survivors and pushing for change -- their efforts must be supported by political will and the necessary institutional reforms.
By enacting comprehensive legal reforms, strengthening implementation mechanisms, and fostering a culture of respect and equality, we can build a society where everyone, especially women and children, can live with dignity and without fear.
