Salahuddin tells parliament improved access to police and fewer barriers have led to higher reporting

JS Reporter:

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the number of rape cases has “slightly increased” because more victims are now coming forward to lodge complaints, with police registering cases promptly and without interference.

Replying to a cut motion during the discussion on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ demand for grants at the parliament, the minister explained why rape case figures appeared “a little higher”.

He said that in the past, many victims either did not or could not go to police stations to file cases because of social and political interference.

Independent MP Rumeen Farhana, while moving a cut motion against the ministry’s grant, cited media reports and statistics from March and April on the law and order situation. She remarked that although the home minister’s speeches “mesmerised” the nation, it would be better if the same impact was reflected in the ministry’s work.

Responding to her, Salahuddin said he had previously presented month-wise data in parliament on murders, violence against women and children, and robberies, showing improvement in all areas since the BNP assumed office, except for rape cases.

“We have found that more rape cases are being recorded. The reason is that earlier victims did not go, or could not go, to the police station due to social or political interference. Now, whether at the police station or online, they can file GDs and FIRs without interference,” he said.

The minister said there had been “a revolutionary change” in arrests, submission of charge sheets, witness presentation and the trial process in rape cases.

He cited the Ramisa murder trial, which he said was completed within 15 to 17 days, describing it as a record for Bangladesh. He also referred to arrests made in the Tonu murder case on the basis of DNA reports.

Salahuddin said police were not making arrests based on political affiliation but were identifying criminals based on their crimes. He added that if opposition leaders or activists were found to be involved in crimes, their respective parties were taking immediate organisational action.

“We will never give priority to political identity in improving law and order. Except for this one area [rape], we have been able to bring visible change, if not revolutionary change, in all other areas,” the minister said.

No country can improve law and order without direct public cooperation, the home minister said, calling for greater social awareness and urging political parties to help raise public awareness.