Ensure speedy trial so perpetrators cannot escape punishment
Child rights activists at a press conference yesterday demanded that the government ensure speedy trial of all cases of violence against children so that perpetrators cannot escape punishment.
They also suggested that people, in general, change their mindset towards children and abide by the country’s existing laws.
Action for Social Development (ASD), a non-government organisation, and Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), a coalition that works on child rights, jointly organised the press conference at Jatiya Press Club.
Citing recent data, BSAF Director Abdus Shahid Mahmood said the incidents of violence against children, particularly rape and sexual harassment, have increased significantly in recent times. “It is happening due to the existing lengthy legal process… There are only few examples of perpetrators receiving punishment in time for their crimes against children,” he said.
In most cases, the perpetrators, who are usually powerful, escape punishment either through convincing the victims’ family -- mostly low-income people -- or using loopholes in the laws, Shahid added.
ASD Executive Director Jamil H Chowdhury said law enforcement agencies and the judiciary have a big role to play in this regard. He also urged the government to provide adequate security for victims’ families and give them necessary legal support so that they receive justice.
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