Trial may begin in a week
The government expects the trial for the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl from Magura to begin within a week, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul yesterday.
Law enforcement, medical professionals, and the judiciary are working with utmost urgency to this effect, he added.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. There have been precedents where sensational cases were concluded within seven to eight days, the law adviser said at a press conference at the Secretariat yesterday afternoon.
He added that, under special arrangements, the post-mortem report would be available by the end of the day (yesterday).
"We expect to receive the DNA report within five days. However, if there is any delay, and if the judges find the circumstantial evidence sufficient, the trial may proceed without the DNA report. This will depend on the judges satisfaction," he noted.
Meanwhile, an ordinance amending the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act is expected to be issued next Sunday.
The amendment will introduce provisions for the establishment of special tribunals to expedite trials in cases of child rape and abuse, he said.
According to the proposed draft, the time frame for investigating rape cases will be reduced to 15 days from 30 days, while the trial period will be shortened to 90 days from 180 days.
Asif Nazrul further said, "The government has taken all necessary steps swiftly. There has been no negligence on the part of the authorities."
He also assured that all future actions would be carried out with diligence.
"If we make any errors, you are welcome to point them out, but creating chaos and causing suffering to people will not be tolerated."
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