Despite stringent laws and repeated amendments aimed at ensuring swift justice, rape cases in Bangladesh continue to languish in courts for years, exposing a stark gap between legal provisions and their enforcement.
Amid the situation, the number of rape cases, including rape followed by murder, remains widespread in the country. Some seek justice by filing cases, while others, out of shame and social stigma, try to hide the incidents. Even taking own lives by victims is not that uncommon. To ensure swift disposal of rape cases, the law was amended to make death the maximum punishment for rape, while specific time limits were set for investigation and trial. Even so, the situation has not changed.
Law vs reality: 90-day rule rarely followed
Despite amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000 mandating that trials be completed within 90 working days, the reality is starkly different. However, in reality, investigations alone often take months or even years, while trials stretch indefinitely due to absent witnesses, procedural bottlenecks, and weak case management.
Mounting backlog signals systemic failure
According to court data, nearly 16,000 cases are currently pending in nine Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunals in Dhaka alone. Nationwide, more than 132,000 cases remain unresolved across 99 such tribunals, reflecting a judicial backlog that continues to deny timely justice to victims.
Legal experts and prosecutors say multiple factors are responsible for the delays, including slow investigations, absence of witnesses, repeated adjournments, and procedural complexities exploited by defence lawyers.
Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruqi said the primary issue lies not in the law itself but in its implementation. “The law is strong, but enforcement is weak. There must be special monitoring to ensure timely investigation and trial,” he said, suggesting the formation of a government monitoring cell to oversee rape cases.
He added that only high-profile cases tend to receive attention, while thousands of others remain stuck in the system.
“The law applies equally to all. There is no scope to treat any rape case as less important,” he said, urging greater accountability among investigating officers and prosecutors.
Cases that tell the story of delay
A closer look at individual cases illustrates the scale of the problem.
In October 2017, a 30-year-old garment worker, Farida, was gang-raped and murdered in Dhaka’s Kadamtali area. The case sparked nationwide outrage, and police arrested several suspects, some of whom later confessed.
Yet, nearly nine years later, the case remains unresolved at a tribunal in the capital. Court sources said most of the accused are currently on bail, and the victim’s family is still waiting for justice.
The investigating officer at the time, Sub-Inspector Mazharul Islam, said the case was initially difficult due to a lack of leads. “We eventually tracked the accused using technology, and they confessed during remand,” he said. Despite this, the judicial process has stalled over the years due to procedural complications.
This is not an isolated incident.
In another case, a garment worker—identified as Sumaiya (pseudonym)—was raped in Dhaka’s Kafrul area in January 2024. Although the investigation report was submitted a year later, the trial has progressed slowly. Months passed before charges were framed, and when the first date for testimony arrived, no witnesses appeared in court. The next hearing is now scheduled months later, with both accused currently on bail.
Such delays are common, say legal professionals. Prosecutor Sazzad Hossain Sabuj noted that case backlogs are often caused by reluctant witnesses and prolonged defence arguments. “Only cases that attract public attention move quickly. Others are delayed at multiple stages,” he said.
Weak enforcement, fading deterrence
Statistics indicate that violence against women, including rape, remains widespread. According to police data, 21,939 cases of violence against women and children were filed in 2025, including 7,068 rape cases. This marked a significant increase from 2024, when 5,566 rape cases were recorded.
Experts warn that the lack of visible punishment contributes to the persistence of such crimes. When trials drag on and convictions are delayed, it undermines deterrence and erodes public confidence in the justice system.
Prominent human rights activist Salma Ali emphasised the need for a societal shift alongside legal enforcement. “Women must be seen as human beings, not objects,” she said, adding that offenders often operate with backing that must be dismantled.
She also stressed the importance of consistent media follow-up and political accountability. “People see the crime, but they rarely see justice being served. Visible punishment can act as a deterrent,” she said.
Another leading rights advocate, Elina Khan, pointed to structural weaknesses within the judicial system. “There are not enough judges, staff, or logistical support in the courts. Proceedings are delayed due to negligence and lack of accountability,” she said.
She also alleged that some investigating officers delay cases deliberately, sometimes due to corruption. “Without strict supervision, these problems will persist,” she added.
The latest amendment to the law includes provisions requiring tribunals to report to the Supreme Court if trials are not completed within the stipulated timeframe. However, legal experts say such accountability mechanisms are rarely enforced in practice.
As rape cases continue to rise and thousands remain pending, calls are growing louder for comprehensive reforms—ranging from better investigation practices and witness protection to increased judicial capacity and stricter oversight.
For thousands of victims and their families, the long wait for justice continues—highlighting a system where strong laws exist, but timely justice remains elusive.
