"Rape laws in Bangladesh need to be reviewed in the light of international human rights standards." said the participants at a workshop on "rape laws and medical evidence" in the city yesterday, reports BSS.

The workshop was held at the Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs.

Existing practices of investigating and prosecuting rape as violating women's right to equality, dignity and personal security. Such practices too often focus on a women's sexual history and her character instead of on the violence perpetrated against 'her. "We reject the notion that a raped woman should be shamed and stigmatised," said Sigma Huda, a human right activist.

Medical reports which reflect stereotyped notions of women's sexuality can effectively destroy a raped woman's chance of legal redress. We have even found medical reports where 12 year-old girls are described by doctors as "habituated" to sexual intercourse." she said.

The participants stressed the need for placing greater reliance on a raped woman's statement as well as to pro-

viding adequate medical support to ensuring effective prosecution of rape cases. They recommended that private medical practitioners be allowed to conduct preliminary examinations of rape victims. They also stressed the need for conducting psychological examinations in rape cases. Medical examinations of the accused man should be regularly carried out. together with the examination of the raped woman.