Punishment for rape under pretext of marriage set at seven years: Shafiqul

Under the amended women and children repression prevention law, the punishment for rape under the pretext of marriage has been set at seven years, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

Shafiqul shared this information during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday.

He said the Advisory Council has given final approval to the amendment of the law.

“Several measures have been taken in cases of rape under the pretext of marriage. A new section has been added to the previous law, setting the maximum punishment at seven years. Further necessary steps have also been arranged under this provision.”

He continued: “The Advisory Council has passed the amendment to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The law adviser discussed this in detail a few days ago. Later, we consulted with women's organizations. Significant efforts have been made to incorporate their opinions into the law.

"Today, a discussion on the law lasted for about an hour, after which the amendment was passed. A new definition of sodomy has also been included in the law. One of the major delays in these cases was DNA testing, and steps have been taken to address such issues.”