HC issues rule on digitising info of convicted criminals

The High Court (HC) on Sunday issued a rule asking the government to explain why information on people convicted in criminal cases should not be included in a publicly accessible digital database.
The HC bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar issued the rule after the preliminary hearing of a writ petition.

Secretaries of Home and Law and other concerned authorities have been asked to reply to the rule within four weeks.

Barrister Fahmida Akter, who filed and moved the plea, said that as crime continues to rise; a publicly accessible online database of convicted criminals could serve two purposes: deterring repeat offences through social accountability and enabling background checks before hiring or employing people.

Although we have many laws prescribing punishment after crimes are committed, we do not yet have adequate preventive measures, she said.