Law protecting women, children: Advisory council clears amendments to fast-track trial
The advisory council yesterday approved several key decisions, including amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act to reduce the trial and investigation time for rape cases by half.
"We will try to ensure strict implementation of the law as soon as possible -- I have told them that the trial of rape cases should not only be speedy, but justice should be ensured and fair," said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. As per the draft, the investigation period for rape cases is being reduced from 30 days to 15 days and the time for completing the trial is being reduced from 180 days to 90 days, he said.
The council of advisors also approved amendments to Public Procurement Ordinance to enhance transparency and competition in government procurement and dismantle syndicates, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, at a media briefing yesterday.
The provision that required rejecting tender proposals below 10 percent of the estimated cost has been removed.
Besides, the previous evaluation matrix, which often resulted in the same companies repeatedly securing contracts, will be replaced with a new capacity-based evaluation system.
Currently, 65 percent of tenders are processed online, and the advisory council decided to increase it to 100 percent.
The council also approved amendment to the law related to abandoned property management.
Besides, the government has declared an additional holiday on April 3 for Eid to facilitate public convenience.
An optional leave policy has also been introduced for indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to observe their cultural and social events.
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