Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that there is no distinction between ‘minor’ and ‘major’ rape cases, emphasizing that all acts of rape are equally serious crimes in the eyes of the law and that justice must be ensured in every case.
He made the remarks on Monday while participating in discussions on cut motions related to the supplementary budget for the 2025�"26 fiscal year in the National Parliament.
Speaking during the session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, the Home Affairs Adviser said, “Rape is neither small nor large. Whether it involves Sohel Rana or Jisan, everyone is equal when it comes to the crime of rape. We cannot demand justice for one case while ignoring another.”
He noted that rape had been discussed in Parliament earlier, but he had not been given the opportunity to speak at the time.
Referring to comments made by an opposition leader on social media regarding a rape incident and the government's role, he said the government had subsequently clarified its position and taken the necessary steps. He added that it is up to the public to determine whether the continued remarks on the issue were genuinely against rape or politically motivated.
At this point, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed requested the adviser to remain within the scope of the agenda, saying, “Honourable Adviser, we are currently discussing matters related to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Please conclude your remarks within that context.”
In response, Salahuddin Ahmed drew a comparison between corruption and rape, stating that just as the law does not classify corruption as “high” or “low,” there is likewise no distinction between “minor” and “major” rape. All crimes, he said, must be treated with equal seriousness and brought to justice.
Earlier, while discussing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Home Affairs Adviser said that a previous ordinance had not been implemented because the government intended to establish a more effective and stronger commission. However, since the earlier law has been reinstated, steps are being taken to make the commission operational quickly through a search committee.
He described this as an interim arrangement and said that a new law would later be placed before Parliament for discussion and consultation, with the goal of creating a more robust ACC.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to recovering laundered money, he said that a white paper presented to the interim government had revealed information indicating that nearly Tk 30 trillion had been siphoned out of the country. He claimed that the amount looted from the banking sector and distributed through politically motivated loans would have been sufficient to build 24 Padma Bridges. The government, he said, is working to bring back the vast sums of money that have been laundered abroad and requires cooperation from all sectors to achieve this goal.
