Dhaka, Mar 17 (V7N) – The Bangladesh government has given in-principle approval to amend the Women and Children Suppression Act-2000, with a gazette notification expected to be issued on Thursday. The decision was made at a special meeting chaired by Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The announcement was made by Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul and Forest and Environment Advisor Rizwana Hasan at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Monday (March 17). They emphasized that the amendments aim to ensure faster trials, reduce delays, and strengthen legal protections for women and children.

One of the key decisions includes the formation of a special tribunal to handle child rape cases separately. This initiative is expected to expedite trials and improve the judicial process by ensuring dedicated attention to such sensitive cases.

A significant issue that has delayed many rape cases is the lack of adequate forensic DNA testing facilities. Currently, Bangladesh has only one forensic DNA lab, leading to prolonged investigations. To address this, the government has approved the establishment of two additional forensic DNA labs in Chittagong and Rajshahi. This step is expected to significantly speed up the legal process for cases related to violence against women and children.

The amendment also introduces provisions to reduce the investigation and trial time for rape cases. Courts will now have the authority to proceed with trials without a DNA report if medical certificates and circumstantial evidence are deemed sufficient. Additionally, the law will impose stricter punishments for cases where serious injuries are caused with the intent of rape.

Another crucial change in the amendment is the criminalization of fraudulent rape under the pretense of marriage. Cases where victims are deceived into sexual relations through false promises of marriage will now be treated as a distinct crime, ensuring legal accountability for such offenses.

Furthermore, to prevent misuse of the law, the new amendment includes a provision for legal action against plaintiffs if a rape allegation is proven false. This measure is expected to discourage false accusations while maintaining the integrity of the legal process.

In an official notification, the Cabinet Division confirmed that the draft of the "Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025" has been approved in principle. The draft will undergo further scrutiny before being presented for final approval in the next meeting of the Advisory Council.

The amendments mark a significant step toward strengthening legal protections for women and children. By addressing trial delays, expanding forensic facilities, and ensuring accountability, the government aims to create a more effective justice system for victims of gender-based violence.

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