Full copy of HC order
Send DNA test reports of rape case in 48hrs
In a full copy of the High Court released recently made the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test compulsory in rape case and ordered to send evidences in this regard within 48 hours. The HC bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akando delivered the verdict in 2016 after disposing of a public interest litigation writ petition jointly filed by five human rights organisations.
The full copy of the verdict released recently, Advocate Sharmin Akter, one of the counsel for the petitioners yesterday confirmed about publishing the order that gave 18 points guidelines including, information and evidences of rape and other sexual assault should be filed up by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the concerned police station.
Police must hand over information to the victim support centre just after getting evidences, according to the verdict.
The verdict reads that an independent website should be launched for such kinds of information so that victim can register allegation online. Identities of all the victims must be concealed. A list of social workers should be made to help the rape victims. Besides, the HC also ordered to set up an office in every Metropolitan area for assuring security, treatment, DNA test and counselling to the rape victims.
Earlier, on May 25 in 2015, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain on what steps it has been taken against responsible persons those who were involved picking Garo girl and raped her in a microbus in the capital.
The wit petition was jointly filed by the Naripokkho, Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Ain o Salish Kendra and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust.
Later on February 18 in 2016, the HC delivered the short order after disposing of the writ petition, which was released recently issuing 18 point directives over the rape incident. The HC verdict directed the respondents to follow the guidelines strictly until a law was enacted in this regard. It also asked the office of Supreme Court Registrar General to send the verdicts copies to the ministries of law, children and women affairs and home as well as the inspector general of police for taking necessary steps for the enforcement of the guidelines.
