PM orders swift disposal of rape cases

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all relevant ministries to take coordinated special measures to ensure the speedy disposal of rape cases across the country.

The instruction was issued during a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, chaired by the Prime Minister in the Cabinet conference room.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said the government has decided to launch a special drive involving all relevant ministries and agencies to expedite the disposal of both ongoing and previously filed rape cases.

"The government is committed to taking swift and effective action to curb crimes such as rape and violence against women," he added, emphasizing the need to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and other institutions, as well as raise public awareness and enhance institutional capacity.

The Cabinet Secretary also noted that special courts already exist in every district to ensure quick trials in such cases. The Prime Minister has instructed authorities to further strengthen the effectiveness and institutional framework of these courts.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved proposals to convert two ordinances related to the national budget into laws - one concerning the supplementary budget for fiscal year 2024-25 and the other for the main budget of fiscal year 2025-26.

Nasimul Gani explained that under Article 91 of the Constitution, a supplementary financial statement must be presented to Parliament if approved expenditure becomes insufficient or exceeds the allocated limit. Since Parliament had been dissolved, the statement could not be tabled on time, prompting the interim government to issue an ordinance under Article 93, now approved to become law.

Similarly, under Article 87 of the Constitution, the annual financial statement must be presented to Parliament. As Parliament was not in session, the FY2025-26 budget was issued via ordinance and is now being converted into law.

Despite the start of the seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the Prime Minister attended the Secretariat and continued his official duties. Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said the Prime Minister arrived at the office around 11:00 am, chaired the Cabinet meeting, and held several other official meetings during the day.