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This year, between January and April, 118 children were raped, while 17 children were killed following attempted rape, she said.

In May alone, 78 rape incidents were recorded, according to a report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation cited in the presentation, she added.

The coalition demanded reforms to rape-related laws in line with human rights standards, including a broader and non-discriminatory definition of rape, improved access to justice for survivors with disabilities, and a comprehensive victim and witness protection law.

It also called for implementation of the amended Evidence Act, enforcement of the High Court directive banning the two-finger test, and gender-sensitivity training for judges, lawyers, police, journalists, doctors, nurses, social workers and other professionals.

The coalition recommended including lessons on consent, gender equality, violence against women and harmful social norms in school curricula from the primary level.

It further demanded sentencing guidelines to ensure proportionate punishment and a state-run compensation fund so survivors receive compensation once an offence is proven, regardless of whether the offender is identified or convicted.

Shireen Pervin Huq, a founding member of Naripokkho, said increasing punishment alone will not prevent rape.

“What matters most is the certainty of punishment, not only the severity of punishment,” she said.

Liza Begum, deputy commissioner of the DMP’s Women Support and Investigation Division, said delayed medical and DNA reports often slowed investigations.

She urged stronger forensic capacity and better coordination among relevant agencies.

Justice Zinat Ara, chairperson of the Law Commission, said sentencing guidelines are needed to ensure consistency in judgements. She said the commission had prepared the guidelines and submitted them to the law ministry and the Supreme Court.

Justice Mohammad Imman Ali said rape cases should be handled swiftly, but not at the expense of proper investigation.

“Speed is important, but justice cannot suffer because of a weak investigation,” he said.

Journalist Quratulain Tahmina said protecting victims’ identities is both a legal and ethical responsibility that requires cooperation among law enforcers, political actors, and media outlets.

Senior Advocate SM Shahjahan said confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure could carry significant legal value if made voluntarily and found to be true. However, if such statements are later retracted, convictions should not rely on them alone, he said.

Speakers also called for expanded shelters, counselling and rehabilitation services, as well as stronger coordination among police, hospitals, forensic departments, prosecutors, social services and NGOs.

They said delays in investigations, witness examinations and trial disposal, weak case monitoring, poor enforcement of legal timeframes, delayed medical and DNA reports, lack of witness protection, and pressure for out-of-court settlements continued to discourage survivors from seeking legal remedies.

The event was moderated by Professor Taslima Yasmin of Dhaka University. Advocate Shipra Goswami and lawyers Masuda Rehana Begum and Kazi Zahid Iqbal also spoke, among others.