Home Minister Explains Why Rape Cases Are Higher
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed — File Photo
Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Tuesday that the country’s overall law and order situation has improved compared with previous years, although rape cases remain ‘slightly higher’ than other categories of crime.
Speaking during a discussion on the Home Ministry’s budget demands and cut motions in Parliament, the minister attributed the increase in reported rape cases to improved access to the justice system.
“Previously, many victims did not or could not file cases because of social and political interference. Now, police register cases when victims come to the station, and people can also file General Diaries (GD) and First Information Reports (FIR) online. There is no interference,” he said.
Earlier in the debate, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana presented crime statistics published by the media for March and April, questioning the government’s claims of improved law and order.
“The home minister’s speeches are always impressive. But if that effectiveness had spread throughout the ministry, I would not have brought this cut motion,” she said.
Responding to the criticism, Salahuddin said he had previously presented monthly crime data in Parliament covering murders, rape, violence against women and children, and robberies.
He claimed that the current government has improved performance across nearly all areas of law enforcement since taking office, with rape cases being the only exception.
However, he said the criminal justice response to rape has improved significantly, citing faster arrests, charge sheet submissions, witness presentation, and trials.
The minister pointed to the swift trial in the Pallabi child murder case, which concluded within 15 to 17 days, calling it a record for Bangladesh. He also said suspects in the Tonu murder case had been arrested based on DNA evidence.
Salahuddin emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not consider political affiliation when making arrests.
“Criminals are treated as criminals. If leaders or activists from opposition parties are involved in crimes, their parties are also taking immediate organizational action,” he said.
He added that political identity would play no role in maintaining law and order and reiterated that the government has achieved visible improvements in every area except the number of reported rape cases.
