ADAB calls for special tribunal to prevent violence against women, children

The Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) has expressed deep concern and sorrow over the recent brutal rape and murder of a seven-year-old child in the capital's Pallabi, calling for urgent and effective measures to prevent such violence.

In a statement issued on Saturday (May 23), ADAB Chairperson Anwar Hossain condemned the incident, describing it as deeply alarming and part of a growing pattern of violence against women and children across the country.

The statement said incidents of rape and sexual abuse are increasing at an “alarming rate,” adding that no age group of women or children is now safe, neither in schools, colleges, madrassas, streets, nor even at home.

ADAB also expressed concern over what it described as gaps in the legal system and delays in justice delivery, saying these factors have contributed to repeated occurrences of such crimes and growing public distrust in the justice system.

“At present, citizens are increasingly anxious, shocked, and losing confidence in the justice process due to delays and loopholes,” the statement noted.

Welcoming the Prime Minister’s meeting with the victim’s family and assurance of justice, ADAB expressed hope that the government would take visible and effective steps to ensure swift trials and exemplary punishment for perpetrators.

The organisation also called for improvements in law enforcement, strengthened social awareness, and enhanced public education to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

In its statement, ADAB further demanded the formation of a separate tribunal for cases involving rape and murder of women and children, with a maximum trial period of three months and provisions for exemplary punishment to ensure justice and deterrence.