Govt moves to fast-track trials of serious crimes to strengthen public security

The government has published the draft Speedy Trial Tribunal (Amendment) Act, 2026 for public consultation, seeking feedback on proposed measures to expedite trials of serious crimes, including extortion, robbery and dacoity, with the aim of enhancing public security.

According to official sources, delays in resolving cases involving serious offenses, including extortion, dacoity, robbery, mugging, and activities that disrupt law and order, hamper crime prevention efforts and pose significant threats to public safety.

To ensure swift justice and effective crime suppression, the government initiated the modernization of the existing Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002). The draft bill was released under Instruction No. 228 of the Secretariat Instructions 2024 and Rule 31A of the Rules of Business.

Admissibility of Digital Evidence: Under the proposed amendment to Section 16, digital evidence—including online or digital conversations, communications, still photographs, and video footage involving the accused or related to the crime—will be legally admissible in trials under this Act.

Exclusion of Narcotics & Inclusion of Extortion and Robbery: Section 6 is amended to replace earlier references to narcotics offenses with explicit coverage of: Extortion under Penal Code Sections 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, and 389. Robbery and Dacoity under Penal Code Sections 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, and 402.

Offenses specified under Section 2(b) of the Law and Order Disrupting Crimes (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002.

Definition of Special Courts: Section 3(e) is updated to include Special Tribunals under The Special Powers Act 1974, Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals and Child Violence Prevention Tribunals under The Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, Acid Crime Control Tribunals under the Acid Crime Control Act 2002, and any other special court or tribunal established by law.

Penal Code Definition: Section 3 is updated to formally define the "Penal Code" as the Penal Code, 1860 (Act No. XLV of 1860).

Members of the public and stakeholders are requested to submit any objections, complaints, or suggestions regarding the draft bill within seven days of its publication. Feedback can be submitted in writing to the Senior Assistant Secretary (Justice Branch-4) or emailed to section4@lawjusticediv.gov.bd

The Law and Justice Division noted that no objections or suggestions will be accepted after November 1, 2026.