DHAKA: The High Court issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain within 4 weeks why it should not be directed to compensate Tk 50 lakh to the victim who was raped by two police officers in Saturia upazila of Manikganj.

The HC bench of Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Justice Md Ashraful Kamal came up with the rule and order on Sunday (March 10).

The court also asked to submit investigation report, medical report, case file and other necessary information before the court by April 18.

It also directed the government to prepare a guideline and scheme to prevent sexual abuse and harassment of women and children in government-controlled houses, hotels, motels, guesthouses, rest houses, government guest houses, police stations, restrooms, and safe homes. 

Home secretary, inspector general of police (IGP), superintendent of police of Manikganj and additional superintendent of police and officer-in-charge of Saturia Police Station were made respondents to the rule.

Barrister Md Abdul Halim moved for the writ petitioners.

The writ petition was filed by Children’s Charity Bangladesh Foundation and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust. 

According to the complaint, a 22-year-old woman had been held captive for two days in last February and raped by the two police officials repeatedly in a government-controlled house in Saturia upazila.

Later, the victim filed a case against the two police officers with Saturia Police station.

Afterwards, the two police officials, identified as Sub-inspector Sekendar Hossain and Assistant Sub-inspector Mazharul Islam, were suspended and assigned to police line.

The following day, police informed about arrest of the duo. On February 12, the duo was placed on a six-day remand in the case. 

BDST:  1846 HRS, MAR 10, 2019

AH/RS/SMS