Though we have many laws now to prevent violence against women, there are several points of discrimination within them. This is despite these laws having been reformed over the last decades. Even though our existing laws have been formed under Bangladesh's constitution, the influence of archaic laws remains. For example, a part of anti-rape laws are under the Prevention of Cruelty against Women and Children Act, while another part is still within the Penal Code of 1860. Barrister Sara Hossain, executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) speaks to The Daily Star Opinion, saying it is high time to bring about informed and comprehensive reforms to every law that is in place to prevent violence against women.

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‘Change laws that undermine women’s position in the family’