'Resist violence against women, children unitedly '

"Doctors, police, judiciary, journalists and human rights defenders must play a participatory role to help bring the culprits to book," said Advocate Alena Khan, executive director of BSEHR, at its third experience-sharing workshop at LGED auditorium in the city.

Forensic specialist, magistrate, public prosecutor, deputy attorney general and journalists exchanged their views at the workshop.

Speaking as chief guest, Justice Fazlul Karim called for a strong commitment to do away with the unbeaten crimes across the country.

Advocate MA Ansari made the keynote speech.

Prof Dr Mohammad Habibuzzaman of forensic department at Dhaka Medical College stressed on proper training of doctors at the district level.

"Apart from the doctors at 14 medical colleges, hundreds of doctors from other institutions remain out of the training across the country," he regretted.

He said due to delay in forensic test, doctors have no other option but to write, 'The findings are not consistent with forceful intercourse'.

Aminul Islam, special public prosecutor (PP) at the speedy trial tribunal-4, defended the accusation that the PPs take bribes from both the complainants and defendants and mentioned a number of issues that weaken the case, like insincerity of the investigation officers, magistrates and doctors.

"Many of the investigation officers do not properly record the testimonies of the complainants, some magistrates are not aware of specific laws while some doctors give haphazard forensic report," he said.

Dr Nur Alam, registrar of medicine department at Sir Salimullah Medical College, finds the influence of political leaders as the main obstacle to people's rights to justice.

Citing his own experience, Alam said in certain districts he got instructions from the lawmaker not to give any report on 'grievous incidence' without consultation.

The speakers said the influence of political personalities is another major obstacle in dealing with the offences.

They also admitted widespread corruption and lack of efficiency among the bodies concerned.