Highlights
- A public interest writ has been filed with the High Court to ban marriages between rape convicts and survivors.
- The petition argues that such marriages normalize sexual violence and help offenders escape punishment.
- The writ mentions singer Mainul Ahsan Noble’s recent case as an example.
- It states that marriage cannot erase the crime of rape, even if the survivor agrees.
Petition Filed at the High Court
A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking a ban on marriages between rape convicts and rape survivors. The petition argues that such marriages weaken justice and make sexual violence look acceptable.
Advocate Md Rakibul Hasan, a resident of Sirajganj, filed the petition on Wednesday as a public interest litigation. It is expected to be heard soon by the bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan.
Respondents Named in the Petition
The petition names several government officials and institutions as respondents. These include the secretaries of the ministries of home, law, women and children affairs, and social welfare. It also includes the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of Prisons, and the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.
Citing Cases Like Noble’s Marriage
The petition attached newspaper reports that showed instances where rape convicts married their survivors. One such case involved singer Mainul Ahsan Noble, who reportedly married the complainant in his rape case at the gate of Keraniganj Central Jail after getting court permission.
“আপনার ব্যবসা এখন অনলাইনে— Storola-এর সাথে সহজ ও স্মার্টভাবে!”
According to the reports, the case against him is still under trial. The petition criticized how some media outlets portrayed this marriage as a “success story” and even published celebratory photos.
“Marriage Cannot Erase a Crime”
The petition strongly condemns such practices. It said:
“ধর্ষণকে বৈধতা দেয় এ ধরনের বিয়ে, এতে অপরাধীরা সহজেই শাস্তি থেকে বাঁচে।”
Translation: “Such marriages legitimize rape and allow offenders to escape punishment easily.”
“সাধারণ ডিম বিক্রি করে আমরা কীভাবে ১৫ লক্ষ কাস্টমার এনেছি—এই বইয়ে আছে তার বাস্তব কাহিনি!”
It also added that arranging or supporting such marriages under official supervision — especially inside or near prisons — is highly unacceptable.
“বিয়ের মাধ্যমে ধর্ষণের অপরাধ মুছে ফেলা যায় না, ভিকটিম রাজি থাকলেও এটি অপরাধই থেকে যায়।”
Translation: “Marriage cannot erase the crime of rape; even if the survivor agrees, it remains a criminal act.”
Read More: Imam Beaten and His Wife Assaulted in Netrokona After Refusing to Pay Extortion
Call to End Arbitrary Settlements
The writ further criticized the practice of resolving rape cases through arbitration, forced marriage, or informal settlements. It warned that these actions encourage criminals and promote impunity.
The petitioner urged the High Court to issue an order that clearly prohibits any marriage between a rape convict and a rape survivor, declaring such acts illegal and against justice.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
