Staff Correspondent:

Law enforcement agencies have to complete investigation of rape cases within 15 days and trial in 90 days, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul saidon Sunday (March 9).

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat this afternoon, he said the government will bring some amendments into relevant laws to expedite the trial process of rape cases.

“We have discussed the issue of amending the relevant laws. A result will be available within a week,” he said.

“The accused cannot be granted bail on the pretext of not completing the trial within 90 days. If there is any negligence on the part of the administration, specific provisions for punishment will be added to the law.”

The adviser also said acquiring DNA certificates can delay trial of rape cases so the interim government will take steps to set up DNA forensic labs in every district.

“In some cases, if the judge thinks that a medical certificate is sufficient, he can take necessary actions. In many incidents like that in Magura, the accused are caught red-handed. We are trying to bring change in laws to prevent wastage of time in obtaining certificates in such cases,” he said.

The law advisor announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs is going to launch a toll-free hotline to prevent sexual harassment on the streets.

The law ministry will also set up a cell for rape cases, he said.