Ensure legal aid for rape survivors: BNWLA to govt

To stop the frequent rape incident and other forms of violence against women, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) recommended ensuring survivor-centric comprehensive legal assistance to women and children rape survivors -- including psycho-social services, women and child-friendly legal aid services, and if applicable, safe shelters having women and child-friendly environment.

It also suggested establishing a separate court at the High Court for the speedy trial of the cases related to violence against women.

Apart from the speedy trial and witness protection, BNWLA also urged the government to use modern forensic technology to ensure proper investigation of such cases.

The recommendations were made at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club yesterday, organised by BNWLA.

BNWLA President Advocate Salma Ali also recommended a fair probe, free from political influence and demanded trained personnel at all levels of the judiciary.

She suggested redefining penetration in rape definition so that penetration using objects is also criminalised as rape. At the same time, section 155 (4) of the Evidence Act must be amended so that the defence lawyers cannot assassinate the characters of the survivors in court by asking irrelevant questions.

Apart from that, she urged the government to formulate effective sexual harassment complaint committees at educational institutions and workplaces, as per the 2009 High Court guidelines.

Zakia Anarkali, executive member of BNWLA, among others, spoke at the conference, moderated by Advocate Jobaida Parveen, general secretary of the organisation.