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| Bangladesh |
| Court seeks explanation over Bhatara gang rape |
| 2015-05-26 |
| [Dhaka Tribune] The High Court yesterday sought explanation from the police for delaying to register a case over the gang rape of an indigenous woman in the capital on May 21. The bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo also asked the police and the government to explain as to why the girl should not be compensated for the delay in recording the case. The court ordered the government to make sure that the police accept any rape complaint and serve all victims without any discrimination in the future. The home secretary, police chief and DMP commissioner were ordered to issue a circular to the cop shoppes to ensure discrimination-free service for all citizens without considering their religion, gender, caste or place of birth. They were also asked to submit a compliance report by a month. The directives come in response to a writ petition filed by five human rights ...not to be confused with individual rights,mind you... organizations -- Naripakkha, Bangladesh Mohila Gay Pareehad, National Indigenous Council, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) and BLAST. The court took into consideration media reports that said the gang rape victim was not given proper attention at three cop shoppes she and her family members had gone to file the case on Friday. The court asked the authorities concerned to explain as to why action should not be taken against the responsible police members for "negligence." It also asked for explanation by two weeks on why the delay of police in recording the first information report (FIR) should not be declared illegal. The home secretary, IGP, DMP commissioner, OCs of Uttara, Khilkhet, Gulshan and Bhatara cop shoppes and the officer-on-duty at Bhatara cop shoppe were made respondents in the rule. The petitioners were asked to submit a list of former judges, lawyers and women rights activists who will review the existing laws to curb sexual violence and harassment by May 31. The High Court bench set June 14 for further hearing on the matter. |
| Posted by:Fred |