Chief Justice forms High Court bench for women and children repression cases

In a significant move to expedite the judicial process in cases involving offenses against women and children, the Chief Justice of Bangladesh has constituted a special High Court bench dedicated to hearing death references and appeals under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Formation of the Specialized Bench

On June 11, 2026, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury announced the formation of a specialized High Court bench comprising Justice Bhishmadev Chakrabortty and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja. This bench is exclusively tasked with hearing and disposing of cases involving death sentences awarded under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.

Operational Details

The newly formed bench is scheduled to commence proceedings on June 14, 2026. It will conduct daily sessions from 10:30 am until further notice, focusing solely on expediting the disposal of cases related to severe offenses against women and children.

Context and Rationale

The establishment of this dedicated bench comes amid growing concerns over delays in the judicial process for cases involving rape, murder, and violence against women and children. By creating a specialized bench, the judiciary aims to address these concerns and ensure that justice is delivered promptly and effectively.

Implications for the Judicial System

The formation of this bench reflects a proactive approach by the judiciary to tackle the backlog of cases under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. It underscores the commitment to upholding the rights of vulnerable populations and enhancing the efficiency of the legal system.

Conclusion

The creation of a specialized High Court bench dedicated to cases involving offenses against women and children marks a significant step in Bangladesh's judicial reforms. It is expected to expedite the legal process, ensuring timely justice for victims and reinforcing public confidence in the legal system.