In the wake of several recent rape incidents, a group of lawyers in Bangladesh yesterday demanded formulation of a new law to set up speedy trial tribunals for expeditious trial of rape cases.
Terming rape a "social disease", they also emphasised building awareness and social movement against sexual harassment and repression of women.
The lawyers, from both the High Court and lower courts, were addressing a human chain formed in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
South Asian Lawyers' Forum (SALF), a human rights body, organised the event with its President Sheikh Salahuddin Ahmed in the chair.
As per reports of Odhikar, a rights body, as many as 760 women and children were raped between January and November last year. The number was higher than past years.
Several rape incidents, particularly the gang-rape of a girl in Tangail and rape of a girl in Savar, created a public outcry. Hazera Amran Azra, joint secretary of SALF, among others, spoke.
