Dhaka, Apr 16 (UNB) – Bangladesh’s top court says it wants female magistrates to record the testimonies of female victims of rape and sexual harassment from now on.
“This is for the sake of fair investigation and trial,” the Supreme Court said in a circular issued on Monday.
The chief judicial magistrates and chief metropolitan magistrates have been requested to make necessary arrangements in this regard.
Female or child victims feel embarrassed while narrating their ordeal to a male magistrate, the apex court noted. As a result, many victims hesitate to give any description.
Female magistrates are essential to record such testimonies so that the victims can describe the incidents without hesitation, the circular said.
In the absence of a female magistrate, the top court suggested assigning an efficient magistrate.
Human rights lawyer Salma Ali hailed the directive. “It’s very positive,” she told UNB. “It’ll be very helpful for female victims and reduce their second-time vicimisation.”
She requested the apex court and the law ministry to strictly implement the instruction.
The circular also asked the authorities concerned to inform the court if they face any problem while carrying out the directive.
