‘Culprits must be prepared for maximum punishment’

Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday issued a warning saying that people who commit violence against women must be prepared for maximum punishment.

“The culture of impunity has gripped us. We can achieve equal rights of men and women and come out of this culture of impunity, through quickly ensuring justice in cases like Feni madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder,” he said.

He was speaking as chief guest at the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony of “Anti-violence National Debate Competition” at BFDC.

Debate for Democracy organised the competition, where the final motion was “Quick trial of Nusrat murder can reduce violence against women.”

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the function, where Dhaka College and Eden College jointly became champions.

Minister Anisul told the function, “We could at least start resisting violence against women through quick disposal of Nusrat murder case, though we cannot fully stop the violence.”

Fair trial of Nusrat murder case has been ensured as law enforcers and prosecution have played their respective roles properly and fairly, he said.

The law minister said the government is working to update the Evidence Act in order to make trial proceedings easier.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. At the same time, justice hurried is justice buried. Both are true. The judiciary has to function in line with these two notions,” Anisul said, adding, “Our judiciary remains independent as the government doesn’t interfere.”