Rape in Bangladesh: Legal Framework, Social stigma and the Imperative for Psychological Support
Faijul Islam : Rape is a grave violation of human dignity and one of the most horrific crimes that persist in Bangladesh nowadays vehemently . While the legal system has provisions to punish offenders, survivors often endure lifelong psychological trauma till her death. Despite growing awareness social limitations and institutional failures continue to silence victims leaving many without justice or support in the long run. This article will explores the legal consequences of rape in Bangladesh in greater context and examines the socio psychological effects it has on survivors.
From the legal landscape of Bangladesh has evolved over time to address sexual violence more effectively in the present context. Regarding most prominent law for the specific genre the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000 (amended in 2020) and the Penal Code, 1860 outline strict penalties for rape in Bangladesh. Though it is not a easy task for the law itself to make a crime free society as well as bring to book to the offender. Under Section 9(1) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000, the punishment for rape is imprisonment for life. However if the rape results in the victim’s death the perpetrator may face the death penalty or life imprisonment with rigorous punishment.
In Bangladesh practicable case named “The Rape and Murder of Yasmin Akhter (1995)” In August 1995 a 14-year-old girl named Yasmin Akhter a domestic worker was being raped and murdered by three police officers in Dinajpur. As a consequence officers offered her a ride home but diverted to a secluded area where they committed the crime and disposed of her body disappeared. The incident sparked massive protests leading to the arrest and conviction of the officers then. After that Two culprits were executed in 2004 and the third was executed later that year after his appeals were denied.
So the precedent was proved in Bangladesh for the heinous crime rape court can give verdict the highest penalty In cases of gang rape under Section 9(3) of the Act prescribes capital punishment or imprisonment for life will be involved. These harsher penalties reflect the state’s acknowledgment of the severity of different such crimes. Conversely Bangladesh’s legal framework still struggles to fully criminalize new types of rape named marital rape which remains a contentious issue of fact from the legal perspective. While the law recognizes rape within marriage as a crime if the wife is under 18 but it fails to protect adult women leaving them vulnerable within their own homes.
Despite these strict laws, weak enforcement of law enforcing agencies and social phenomena prevent many victims from seeking justice. Moreover, Survivors often face character assassination for their prelude effect of rape, victim blaming and lengthy legal battles that discourage them from reporting crimes. This institutional silence allows perpetrators to act with impunity perpetuating a culture of fear Where they are out of the law even though law itself declare that every people is equal before law.
The trauma of rape extends beyond physical harm often leaving deep psychological scars in a woman’s life. For this reason Survivors experience a range of emotional and mental health challenges that affect their daily lives relationships and careers. Giving up from mental trauma many survivors develop PTSD a severe anxiety disorder characterized by flashbacks and extreme distress. One of a Study indicate that over 60% of rape survivors suffer from PTSD making it one of the most common psychological consequences of sexual violence in modern edges.
Bedsides, overwhelming sense of shame, guilt and helplessness often leads to depression. A study found that nearly 50% of rape survivors in Bangladesh experience severe depression, with some developing suicidal tendencies. One the other hand Survivors frequently withdraw from society due to fear of judgment, retaliation or disbelief. Many face ostracization from their families and communities compel them to suffer in silence.
In fact, lack of support systems exacerbates their trauma leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation. For young survivors or rape victims can shatter their academic aspirations and professional ambitions. Many drop out of school or leave their jobs due to anxiety, continuance harassment, or safety measures concern. So this loss of potential further highlights the social cost of sexual violence in Bangladesh. Id like to say that sexual violence is not just a criminal offense; it is a deeply rooted social failure that depict urgent intervention on social norms. While Bangladesh has laws in place regarding stronger enforcement, victim protection, and mental health support are crucial to ensuring justice for the Victims.
Conversely the judicial system must prioritize swift and survivor centered legal processes to encourage victims to come forward & get Justice from the court .Besides in courts witness protection programs and legal aid services should be expanded to support survivors through their legal debate. Needless to say our society must move beyond victim-blaming and cultural taboos. In addition our educational institutions and workplaces should implement strict anti-harassment policies and provide safe reporting mechanisms for the common purpose.
We should make the way for the Survivors should feel empowered to speak up without fear of retribution. For enlightening human dignity our government and private organizations must invest in counseling centers for mental health and rehabilitation programs to help survivors heal. By this way Govt can Integrating mental health support into rape crisis response can prevent long-term psychological damage. In a nutshell Sexual violence will persist unless society challenges toxic masculinity as well as gender discrimination in all sorts of our life and entrenched patriarchy.
Moreover Public awareness campaigns and gender sensitive education can help change perceptions and build a culture of respect and accountability for each complaint. As a result we conclude that rape is more than just a crime, clearly it is a human rights violation that strips victims of their human dignity and social security. Legal frameworks alone are not enough; Bangladesh must work collectively to ensure justice, psychological support and collective change. The silence around sexual violence must end for the tranquility of the society and the voices of rape survivors must be heard. The question remains: Are we ready to listen?
Author : Faijul Islam , Lecturer, Department of Law, Prime University.
