Home Adviser wants female doctors in rape evidence examinations

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has proposed that evidence in rape cases should be examined by female doctors.

He made the proposal on Tuesday (May 13) while speaking as the chief guest during the second day of the two-day Civil Surgeon Conference. The session, related to the Ministry of Home Affairs, was held at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Shahbagh of Dhaka.

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that post-mortem services should be brought to thana level, and that post-mortem examinations for female victims should be conducted by female doctors. In rape cases, female doctors should carry out the forensic examinations. If a female doctor is unavailable, a female nurse can assist with the examination and a male doctor can then countersign the report.

He also proposed shutting down private medical colleges that lack teachers, educational resources, or basic infrastructure. Additionally, he recommended forming an accreditation council to improve the standards of medical colleges. He suggested internship training for medical students should be divided into six months in urban areas and six months in rural areas, with increased honorarium during the rural period.

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury expressed concern over recent incidents of attacks, vandalism, and threats against hospitals, health centers, and doctors. He said the government is committed to ensuring a safe environment for healthcare services. To achieve this, the government is working to make healthcare settings secure, supportive, and citizen-friendly. He emphasized the need for civil surgeons to strengthen their coordination with the administration and police departments.

Addressing the doctors, he said, “You are among the most talented people in society, and public expectations of you are the highest. As key figures in district-level healthcare, your decisions, efforts, and sacrifices have a direct impact on people's lives. You are the beacon of hope for people and a source of comfort during difficult times.”

He also stressed the vital role of doctors in anti-drug campaigns and mental health services. He urged civil surgeons to collaborate with local police stations or the Department of Narcotics Control to make rehabilitation and counseling programs for drug addiction more effective.