Home Ministry to Launch Toll-Free Rape Complaint Hotline

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed during a press conference on Sunday at the Secretariat that the hotline would be announced within the next 24 hours. He assured that the service would be available 24/7, allowing citizens to report incidents of sexual violence at any time.

"Victims and concerned individuals will be able to report abuse or rape complaints through this hotline. A dedicated monitoring cell within the Ministry of Home Affairs will ensure timely action, with investigations conducted within 15 days and trials completed within 90 days," Nazrul added.

Additionally, the Ministry of Law will establish a specialized cell to oversee the progress of rape cases and ensure that justice is not delayed. The commitment to improving the pace of justice was emphasized, reflecting the government's resolve to address the growing concerns about gender-based violence in the country.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who was also present at the press conference, expressed strong condemnation of sexual violence. "The government is unwavering in its commitment to fight against the violence, torture, and rape faced by women. No rapist will have a place in Bangladesh," he stated, reiterating that perpetrators of such crimes will face strict legal consequences.

In light of recent developments, Nazrul also discussed the revocation of bail for Saiful Islam, the individual convicted in the infamous Dinajpur child rape case. The Appellate Division recently overturned the bail decision, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in high-profile cases.

Nazrul acknowledged the public's frustration with the justice system, admitting, "There have been moments when we have not met the expectations of the people, and that has caused pain and reflection." He further assured that the administration is committed to preventing further incidents of sexual harassment, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards such offenses.

During the same briefing, Nazrul also addressed the issue of mob justice, stating, "We understand the public's anger, but from now on, any form of mob justice will be firmly suppressed. We must work within the boundaries of the law to ensure justice is served."

With the introduction of the hotline and additional measures, the government aims to strengthen its efforts in combating sexual violence, bringing perpetrators to justice, and safeguarding the rights and safety of all citizens.