Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the present Awami League government is committed to prevent any kind of violence against women and children. She said that the law enforcement agencies are working with sincerity, efficiency, dedication and professionalism under all the existing laws aimed at preventing violence against women and children and terrorist activities. Extensive steps have been taken to ensure severe punishment for such offenders by preventing heinous crimes like violence against women and children.
On Wednesday (November 18) evening JS session chaired by Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, the Prime Minister was responding to a question from Begum Monira Sultana MP form the reserved women's seat, during a question-and-answer session of the Prime Minister.
Stating that the maximum punishment for violence against women and children is death penalty, she said that strict legal action is being taken against those involved in violence against women and children by filing cases against them immediately. The Prevention of Violence against Women and Children Act-2020 has been amended to provide maximum punishment for rape. As an information technology facility to prevent violence against women and children, the National Emergency Army 999 provides immediate police assistance to prevent any crime as well as violence against women.
The leader of the House said law enforcement agencies were working as planned to eradicate any kind of terrorist activities from the society. The Anti-Terrorism Act-2009 has been enacted to prevent militant and terrorist activities and to ensure appropriate punishment for those involved. In addition, various measures have been taken to ensure that the public is not harassed by members of the law enforcement agencies, so that legal assistance can be easily obtained and to ensure the professionalism of the law enforcement agencies.
Replying to a question from Jatiya Party MP Fakhrul Imam, the Prime Minister said the present Awami League government is committed to maintaining law and order in the country and providing security to the people. The government pursues a zero tolerance policy against corruption, drugs and terrorism. The law enforcement agencies are working relentlessly to maintain law and order in the country and improve the living standards of the people including the provision of security to the people.
She said legal action was being taken through regular and special operations based on intelligence information. Regular cases of terrorists, warrants and convictions are being arrested irrespective of party affiliation and day and night patrols of law enforcement agencies have been intensified to ensure safe living of the people. Social media is being closely monitored to ensure that no individual, group or party disrupts law and order by spreading rumors and misleading information.
The Prime Minister said the present government is committed to establishing the rule of law and ensuring security of life and property of the people by maintaining overall law and order. Bringing those involved in all forms of sabotage and violence under the law and all law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, including the police, are working round the clock to coordinate appropriate legal action against them.