Over 179 countries for which data was available, 52 countries had amended their legislation to explicitly establish marital rape as a criminal offence, according to the UN Women’s 2011 report. In the remaining countries, including Bangladesh, that make an exception for marital rape in their rape laws, the spouse can be prosecuted under common rape laws. We have to realize that marital rape is often more traumatic and scarring for a victim than rape by a stranger. We have improved in many sectors, but still, marital rape is not considered an offense in Bangladesh. It is high time for lawmakers to enact laws regarding marital rape and take necessary steps to fight violence against women.

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 27, 2020 15:00 UTC