Dhaka, Mar 20 (V7N) – The Women and Children Abuse Amendment Act has been passed, increasing the sentence for rape under the guise of marriage to 7 years. The amendment was approved by the Advisory Council on Thursday (March 20).

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, confirmed the development during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. He explained that the Advisory Council held a one-hour discussion on the amendment, during which a new definition of rape was incorporated into the law.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the quick processing of DNA tests in cases related to women and children abuse. The new provisions will be part of a separate section dealing with abuse cases.

Shafiqul Alam also announced that a holiday has been declared in the three hill districts of Bangladesh to mark the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti.

This amendment aims to strengthen legal provisions for the protection of women and children, ensuring stricter penalties for abusers under the guise of marriage.

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