The High Court has ordered to form an experts' panel over the issue of supplying anti-rape devices to prevent sexual harassment in the country.
The committee, to be headed by an ICT ministry secretary, should also include a specialist medical professor, the court said before slapping 60-day deadline for an update report.
The bench of justices M Enayetur Rahim and Mostafizur Rahman also issued a rule on Sunday (Jan 19) asking why it would not order to ensure adequate security measures to protect women from rape and sexual abuses.
On Jan 12, a writ was lodged asking for anti-rape devices by human rights organization Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Children’s Charity Bangladesh Foundation. The writ sought for a rule asking why security measures should not be taken to safeguard women’s honour and respect.
It also sought the court's directive to bring anti-rape devices from abroad. If a woman carries an anti-rape device then automatic help calls to emergency hotline 999 will be sent in case of sexual assaults, according to the petition.