Cabinet approves death penalty for rapists

The cabinet has approved in principle the draft of the amended ‘Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000’ providing for death penalty in rape cases as maximum punishment.

The approval came at a regular cabinet meeting on Monday, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The prime minister joined the meeting through video conference from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam confirmed the development after the meeting.

The government’s move has come after people burst into street protests against rape and demanding the death penalty for the rapists.

Earlier, a person accused of simple rape was punished by life imprisonment as per previous law.

Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government is actively considering an amendment to law to ensure the death penalty for the rapists.

“Law is enacted for the public welfare. As people have a demand for the death penalty of rapists, the government is considering the issue with utmost importance,” said the law minister.

He disclosed the views while talking to reporters before leaving his residence for his secretariat office on Wednesday morning.

The violation of a housewife by some unruly youths at a hostel of Sylhet MC College followed by the stripping of a woman in Noakhali and videoing the scene sparked bitter criticism at home and abroad.

People from all walks of life have taken to the streets, demanding death sentence for rapists who get off scot-free through legal loopholes.

The demand has gained ground as a group of legal experts are stressing the need for an amendment to law to make rapists punishable with death.

The ruling Awami League has welcomed the cabinet approval.