Applied Laws and Regulations in Bangladesh to Operate Criminal Matters

Applied Laws and Regulations in Bangladesh to Operate Criminal Matters Introduction The criminal justice system of Bangladesh is governed by a combination of statutory laws, procedural rules, judicial precedents, and constitutional safeguards. These laws collectively ensure that criminal offences are identified, investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated fairly and transparently. Understanding the applied laws and regulations is essential for legal practitioners, researchers, and students who aim to comprehend how criminal matters operate within the country’s legal framework. --- 1. Constitutional Basis for Criminal Law The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is the supreme law of the land. It lays down fundamental rights and sets out the structural framework within which the criminal justice system functions. Key constitutional provisions include: Article 27: Equality before law Article 31: Right to protection of law Article 33: Safeguards on arrest and detention Article 35: Protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and ex post facto laws These provisions ensure that individuals accused of crimes receive fair treatment and due process. --- 2. Penal Legislation Governing Criminal Offences a. The Penal Code, 1860 The Penal Code (PC) is the principal criminal statute in Bangladesh. It defines offences and prescribes punishments for crimes such as: Murder, culpable homicide Theft, robbery, dacoity Rape and sexual offences Offences against public tranquillity Offences relating to property Offences relating to documents and forgery The Penal Code provides the substantive foundation of criminal law. b. Special Criminal Laws Besides the Penal Code, several specialized laws deal with specific categories of offences: The Narcotics Control Act, 2018 The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 / Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012 The Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000 The Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009 The Digital Security Act, 2018 / Cyber Security Act, 2023 The Explosive Substances Act, 1908 These laws ensure that modern and evolving forms of crime are addressed effectively. --- 3. Criminal Procedure and Investigation Framework a. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 The Criminal Procedure Code is the primary procedural law regulating: Investigation of offences Arrest and detention Bail and remand Charge framing Trial procedures in Magistrate and Sessions Courts Appeals, revisions, and review CrPC divides offences into cognizable/non-cognizable and bailable/non-bailable, guiding police and court actions. b. Police Regulations of Bengal (PRB), 1943 The PRB sets internal rules for police operations, including: Investigation standards Evidence collection Record-keeping Duties of officers c. Evidence Act, 1872 The Evidence Act regulates admissibility, relevancy, and proof of facts, ensuring that trials are conducted based on reliable and lawful evidence. --- 4. Institutional Framework for Criminal Justice a. Police Primary agency responsible for: First Information Reports (FIR) Investigation and interrogation Arrests (with or without warrant) Submission of charge sheets b. Courts Criminal cases are handled by: Magistrate Courts – trial of less serious offences Sessions Courts – trial of serious and major offences Special Tribunals – such as Nari-O-Shishu, Anti-Terrorism, Drugs, Speedy Trial Tribunals c. Public Prosecutors (PP/APP) They represent the state during criminal trials and play a critical role in evidence presentation and witness examination. --- 5. Rights of the Accused and Victims Bangladesh law ensures protections for both sides: Accused Person Rights Presumption of innocence Right to legal counsel Protection against torture Right to fair trial Right to be informed of charges Victim Rights Right to lodge complaints and submit testimony Legal remedy under special laws (e.g., Nari-O-Shishu Ain) Compensation and protection under certain statutes --- 6. Recent Developments and Reforms Bangladesh has undertaken reforms to strengthen criminal justice, such as: Digital court management systems Cybercrime tribunals Updates from DSA to Cyber Security Act (2023) Fast-track Tribunals for speedy trials These reforms aim to ensure efficient, technology-friendly, and people-centered criminal justice. --- Conclusion The operation of criminal matters in Bangladesh is grounded in a comprehensive legal framework consisting of constitutional guarantees, substantive penal laws, procedural regulations, and specialized statutes. Together, these laws ensure that criminal offences are prosecuted effectively while safeguarding the rights of citizens. For legal practitioners and students, understanding these applied laws is essential for contributing to a fair and just society. --- If you want, I can now: ✅ Add full references ✅ Add bibliography ✅ Add a Gemini prompt for designing an image for this article ✅ Add “Prepared by: Dipankar Biswas” Just tell me what you want!