In Bangladesh, the definition of rape has an exception. It says that only if the girl is under the age of 14, “sexual relations will be considered rape.” However, in Bangladesh, individuals are considered children until the age of 16, and the age is 18 according to the United Nations.
We need to acknowledge that the reluctance in our country to criminalise marital rape is rooted in the medieval notion that upon signing the marriage contract, a wife perpetually and irrevocably consents to sexual intercourse with her husband whenever he so demands.
In Bangladesh, the definition of rape has an exception. It says that only if the girl is under the age of 14, “sexual relations will be considered rape.” However, in Bangladesh, individuals are considered children until the age of 16, and the age is 18 according to the United Nations.
We need to acknowledge that the reluctance in our country to criminalise marital rape is rooted in the medieval notion that upon signing the marriage contract, a wife perpetually and irrevocably consents to sexual intercourse with her husband whenever he so demands.