Harmonising Justice and Rights: BMP Calls for a Collaborative Strike Against the Two-Finger Test
For years, survivors of sexual violence in Bangladesh faced an invasive and degrading practice—the two-finger test. The High Court banned this medically unscientific and legally irrelevant procedure in 2021, but its enforcement remains weak. On February 1, 2025, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) convened a crucial discussion to evaluate progress and challenges in ending this harmful test. Held at the Anwara Begum Munira Khan Auditorium, the event brought together legal experts, medical professionals, and advocates to address gaps in implementation.
A Legal Win, but a Long Way to Go
BMP President Dr. Fauzia Moslem set the tone for the discussion, emphasising that eliminating the two-finger test requires a joint effort from government and non-government organisations. The High Court’s ruling was a major victory for women’s rights, yet as Joint General Secretary Advocate Masuda Rehana Begum highlighted, many healthcare and legal professionals remain unaware of the ban.
Despite directives from the Ministry of Health, there has been little follow-up to ensure compliance in hospitals and forensic departments. Advocate Begum’s research identified 14 key actions needed for proper enforcement, ranging from updating medical curricula to stricter monitoring mechanisms.
Rural Areas Lag Behind in Implementation
One of the most alarming findings from the discussion was that doctors and law enforcement officers in rural areas still conduct the test due to a lack of awareness. Dr. Rowshan Ara Begum, Vice-President of BMP, pointed out the urgent need to train healthcare professionals in rural clinics on alternative, victim-sensitive examination methods.
Dr. Ruchira Tabassum and Nahida Akhter from icddr,b echoed this concern, warning that without proper training and accountability, the ban remains a paper law. A robust system is needed to bridge the information gap and ensure survivors receive medical attention with dignity, not discrimination.
A Call for Survivor-Centered Healthcare
Public Health Specialist Dr. Rahat Ara Noor stressed that medical examinations must be conducted with respect, privacy, and sensitivity. The two-finger test not only violates human rights but also lacks scientific validity in determining sexual violence. Survivors often experience further trauma due to invasive and judgmental procedures.
This aligns with a broader challenge in Bangladesh—the gap between legal frameworks and real-world implementation. BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu emphasised that banning the two-finger test is a landmark decision, but real change will come only when women-friendly laws are fully enforced.
Bridging Law and Medicine for Real Change
The discussion underscored a crucial takeaway: cooperation across legal, medical, and social sectors is the only way forward. Around 50 participants, including lawyers, healthcare workers, and human rights activists, agreed on the need for sustained advocacy, training, and government oversight.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Fauzia Moslem urged all stakeholders to prioritise awareness, professionalism, and a humanitarian approach in handling sexual violence cases. “We must ensure that survivors are treated with dignity, not subjected to outdated and harmful practices,” she emphasised.
The ban on the two-finger test is a step toward justice, but without structured enforcement, medical training, and accountability, survivors will continue to face obstacles. The fight for sexual and reproductive rights in Bangladesh must go beyond policies—it demands action, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Source: Mahila Parishad