We fully endorse the anxiety expressed by a local human rights organisation at the increasing incidence of violence against children.

Despite the government's pledge to adopt a zero tolerance for violence against women and children, there has not been significant progress in the ground realities.

A study by Brac University's School of Law has found that between 2009 and 2014, the overall conviction rate under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 in three district tribunals, including one in Dhaka, was only 0.86 percent.

Both death and life term can be awarded as highest punishment for rape and killing under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, the Supreme Court has ruled. Now, Section 6(2) of Women and Children Repression Prevention (Special) Act 1995 will become void.