DHAKA: The High Court on Monday issued rule upon the government to explain within two weeks why the delay of police in recording the first information report (FIR) of the gang rape victim in microbus would not be declared illegal.

An HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Kazi M Ijarul Haque Akhand issued the rule after hearing a public interest litigation.

In the rule, the HC asked authorities concerned to explain why the delay ‘in recording the Ejahar on gang rape, sending the victim to support center and conducting her medical test’ would not be declared unconstitutional and why punitive action should not be taken against responsible police officers for negligence and why compensation would not be given to the victim.

Home secretary, Inspector General of Police and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, duty officers of Uttara, Khilkhet, Gulshan, Bhatara Thanas were asked to explain the queries by two weeks.

The court, in an interim order, asked the Home Secretary, IGP, police commissioner to issue a circular to ensure discrimination-free service for all at the thanas of Bangladesh.

The High Court also asked the petitioners to submit a list of names from former judges, lawyers and women rights activists to constitute a panel in reviewing the existing laws to bring down sexual assault and harassment incidents.

The four organisations, Naripakkha, Mahila Parishad, National Indeginous Council, Ain O Shalish Kendra and BLAST will have to submit the list by May 31.

Barrister Sarah Hossain, ZI Khan Panna and Mehbuba Jui stood for the petitioners.

Deputy Attorney General Amatul Karim moved for the state.

BDST:  1503 HRS, MAY 25, 2015
RS/SMS