Spl HC bench to fast-track women, child abuse appeals

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury on Sunday announced the formation of a special High Court bench to expedite the hearing on the appeals in connection with the cases filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

The Chief Justice gave the decision following a proposal from Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal in the Appellate Division for expedite hearing on the appeals pending before the High Court Division in sensitive cases like Ramisa killing case.

The special bench would begin its functioning from next Sunday, according to the Chief Justice decision.

The chief law officer of the state Ruhul Kuddus Kazal later welcomed the decision, saying it could end years of delays in the disposal of appeals in such cases.

Speaking at his office, the attorney general referred to Sunday's verdict in the rape and murder case of child victim Ramisa Akter, in which a lower court sentenced two accused to death.

He pointed out that many high-profile cases in Bangladesh reach the sentencing stage but victims' families often do not see the punishment carried out because of lengthy appellate proceedings.

According to Kazal, public concerns over delays in enforcing exemplary punishment are justified.