Originally Posted by
Navo
Right, so I'm not a criminal lawyer, but the most relevant statutes for rape in Bangladesh are:
- THE PENAL CODE, 1860:
"
s. 375. A man is said to commit "rape" who except in the case hereinafter excepted, has sexual intercourse with a woman under circumstances falling under any of the five following descriptions:
Firstly. Against her will.
Secondly. Without her consent.
Thirdly. With her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death, or of hurt.
Fourthly. With her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband, and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.
Fifthly. With or without her consent, when she is under
fourteen years of age.
Explanation. Penetration is sufficient to constitute the sexual intercourse necessary to the offence of rape.
Exception.
Sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under thirteen years of age, is not rape."
"
s. 376. Whoever commits rape shall be punished with [ imprisonment] for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine, unless the woman raped is his own wife and is not under
twelve years of age, in which case he shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both."
So, the Penal Code, 1860 (yes, I know, it's ancient but there have been some amendments and there has been supplementary legislation) is obviously quite shockingly lenient towards 'rape'. I am particularly affronted by the idea that a man can 'legally' rape his wife.
Then, there is the PREVENTION OF OPPRESSION AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN ACT OF 2000, which can be found in Bangla here:
http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/pdf/835___.pdf
I'd also suggest reading this if you have't already:
http://www.impowr.org/content/curren...ult-bangladesh