Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against violence involving women and children, saying offenders will face strict legal action regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting at Hakimpur Hili Parishad hallroom in Dinajpur, the minister said Bangladesh’s laws already provide the highest punishment, including the death penalty, for child rape and abuse cases.
“The law does not consider political identity. Whether someone belongs to the ruling party or opposition, everyone will be treated equally before the law,” he said.
The minister referred to the recent rape and murder of child Ramisa in Pallabi, saying the government treated the case with utmost seriousness and ensured the arrest of the accused within 24 hours of the incident.
He expressed hope that investigators would quickly complete the probe and submit the charge sheet so the court process could proceed without delay.
According to Zahid, the government wants exemplary punishment in such cases to prevent similar crimes in the future.
He also said the administration has been instructed to intensify efforts against terrorism, drug-related crimes and mob violence to improve the country’s overall law and order situation.
Highlighting the government’s social welfare initiatives, the minister said the Family Card programme was launched shortly after the current government assumed office and aims to cover nearly two crore families by 2029.
Through the programme, around 10 crore people are expected to receive various forms of government support and social assistance, he added.
Zahid further said the government is expanding social safety net programmes to support poor and marginalised communities and ensure that no citizen remains deprived of food, healthcare and other basic services.
Following the event, the minister distributed grant cheques worth Tk17 lakh among various religious and social institutions.
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