Death penalty approved for rape
Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday has given approval for death penalty for the perpetrators amending existing law.
The amendment of the Prevention of Women and Children Repression Act-2000 is now waiting for ordinance declaration from President Office.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said that President Abdul Hamid may soon declare an ordinance regarding the amendment as the parliament is not in session now.
Earlier on Thursday, Law Minister Anisul Huq said that his ministry has made a proposal for approving death penalty as the highest punishment for rape.
“We’re proposing raising the highest punishment for rape to death penalty instead of life imprisonment,” the minister said, noting that there will be some minor changes too.
A series of rape incidents rocked Bangladesh in recent weeks, triggering countrywide protests.
According to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), between January and September this year, nearly 1,000 rape cases were reported, including 208 gang rapes