Amid nationwide protests against the surge in incidents of rape and harassment of women and girls, the interim government has pledged to amend relevant laws to expedite the trial process for rape cases. The law adviser has stated that law enforcement agencies will have to complete the investigation of such cases within 15 days and the trial within 90 days. He mentioned another potential amendment, saying that even if the trial is not concluded within 90 days, the accused cannot be granted bail on this basis. While it is good to see that the interim government is finally addressing legal concerns surrounding gender-based violence and has proposed some positive reforms, words alone will not suffice. Concrete actions are needed to implement these changes and ensure justice for victims of rape.

Expediting justice by reforming relevant laws and procedures is key, but any amendment must be finalised after consulting with legal experts and all other stakeholders. While investigations and trials in rape cases must be speedy, the process must also be flawless. In Bangladesh, faulty investigations are a major obstacle to delivering justice. Since, according to the country's law, the maximum punishment for rape is the death penalty, rushed and flawed investigations should not be encouraged. Also, for a proper investigation of rape cases, forensic reports are essential. If forensic reports are omitted to reduce investigation time, will it ensure justice?

Instead of merely shortening the investigation time for rape cases, it is crucial to ensure that forensic examination results are provided to investigating officers as quickly as possible. This is unlikely with only two forensic labs available in the country. The government, therefore, needs to set up more such labs as well as streamline the operations of existing ones. Furthermore, the investigation process for rape cases requires an overhaul, as weak investigative procedures often lead to delays in case proceedings.

Therefore, instead of merely shortening the investigation time for rape cases, it is crucial to ensure that forensic examination results are provided to investigating officers as quickly as possible. This is unlikely with only two forensic labs available in the country. The government, therefore, needs to set up more such labs as well as streamline the operations of existing ones. Furthermore, the investigation process for rape cases requires an overhaul, as weak investigative procedures often lead to delays in case proceedings. This is why, despite numerous rape cases being filed, only a handful result in convictions.

We urge the government to do everything in its capacity to ensure both swift and flawless justice in rape cases. It is encouraging to learn that the government has instructed law enforcement agencies to compile a list of all incidents of violence against women that occurred during the tenure of the interim government and submit it to the court. We hope they will follow through on this directive and ensure justice in each case. The pervasive culture of impunity that fuels sexual harassment and violence must be eradicated.