A women’s rights activist among those protesting against gender based violence holds a placard outside the Parliament in Dhaka, Bangladesh (AP/ Mahmud Hossain Opu)Bangladesh has approved a rise in the maximum punishment in rape cases to death from life imprisonment after a series of recent sexual assaults triggered protests. Details of the amendment were not immediately available, but Mr Islam said the Cabinet agreed to a proposal that trials in rape cases be completed in a speedy manner. A series of violent sexual attacks in recent weeks has triggered protests in the capital, Dhaka, and elsewhere. Expand Close Bangladesh’s cabinet has approved an increase in the maximum punishment in rape cases to death (AP/Mahmud Hossain Opu) AP/PA Images / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Bangladesh’s cabinet has approved an increase in the maximum punishment in rape cases to death (AP/Mahmud Hossain Opu)Rights groups say many more cases remain unreported because of fears of harassment by influential people. Bangladesh’s judicial system is painstakingly slow and cases often take years to finish.

Source: Irish Independent October 12, 2020 11:26 UTC