Legal notice to Chakaria OC for publishing photo of rape victim

A legal notice has been sent against Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monir Hossain in Cox's Bazar for publishing the pictures and identity of a rape victim, demanding departmental action subject to investigation. The notice was sent to the Home Ministry Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), DIG of Chattogram Range and Superintendent of Police of Cox's Bazar.

Supreme Court lawyer and National Lawyers Council Chairman Advocate SM Zulfikar Ali Junu sent the notice on Wednesday (June 3).

The notice said that it has been learned from reports in various media outlets, including several national dailies, that a picture of a rape victim has been published on the official Facebook page of Chakaria Police Station; this is the reason for the allegations against OC Monir Hossain.

According to the notice, publishing the identity, photo or identifying information of a rape or sexual assault victim is against the country's existing laws, human rights policies and victim protection guidelines. It is mentioned that the High Court has also given clear instructions to refrain from publishing the photos and identities of victims of sexual violence.

The notice states that if the allegations made in the media are true, it is a violation of the High Court's instructions and a violation of the fundamental rights of the victim. Such actions can seriously endanger the mental, social and personal safety of the victim.

The notice has raised five demands. These include - the immediate formation of an impartial and high-level investigation committee into the incident; departmental action against the concerned OC and responsible persons if the allegations are proven; immediate removal of all information that can identify the victim; issuing instructions to police members and social media operators to prevent such incidents in the future; and informing in writing the steps taken within 48 hours of receiving the notice.

The notice also warns that if effective action is not taken within the stipulated time, a writ petition will be filed in the High Court in the public interest and on the basis of constitutional and statutory rights.