When the Women and Children Repression Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance was promulgated in March last year, it was hailed by many as an “iron shield” for women and children in Bangladesh.

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.