Naripokkho seeks further amendment to existing laws

Naripokkho, a women’s rights organization based in Dhaka, demanded that the government further amend the existing Prevention of Repression against Women and Children (Amendment) Act, 2003.

The organization held a discussion on Mar 7 at its office in the capital’s Dhanmondi marking the International Women’s Day.

Despite enactment and amendment to the law, the scenario of violence against women has remained unchanged over the years mainly because of loopholes in the law, its misuse and the modality of implementation, it said.

According to a report released by the organisation in December last year, as many as 11,868 cases were filed under the act in 2011-2015 in Dhaka, Jamalpur Jhenidah, Sirajganj, Joypurhat and Noakhali.

Of them, 3,588 cases were settled. Among the settled cases, perpetrators were convicted in 18 cases. The accused were acquitted in 1,047 cases and exonerated in 2,523.

The remaining cases are pending.

Reading out a written statement, Nazmun Nahar, project officer of Naripokkho, said a provision needs to be included in the act, under which a woman can file a case against her husband if he tortures her even after they agree to get divorced over demand of dowry.

The act also needs to mention whether a child born out of rape will be the successor of the rapist’s wealth, Nazmun said.

Advocate Habibun Nesa, a senior member of Naripokkho, said it is time to rethink whether the act is bringing relief to the country’s women.

“If not, then why setting up tribunal in each district and spending revenues after those?” she questioned.

The women’s rights activists also stressed the need for awareness building initiatives among women on comprehensive education on sexual and reproductive health.

Naripokkho Project Director Rowshon Ara, among others, also spoke.

Source: The Daily Star