Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain yesterday said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against any form of violence against women and children.

“The country’s laws provide the highest punishment, including the death penalty, for those who abuse or rape children. This law was enacted during the tenure of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia,” said Zahid, also the social welfare minister.

He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with locals at Hakimpur Hili Parishad hallroom in Dinajpur.

The minister discussed in detail the government’s development activities, law and order situation, and social safety net programmes.

The minister said the government has taken the recently discussed Ramisa rape and murder case very seriously, as the accused was arrested within 24 hours of the incident.

He hoped that law enforcement agencies will quickly complete the investigation and submit the charge sheet to the court.

The government wants swift and exemplary punishment in such cases so that no one dares to commit such crimes in the future, he said.

He said political identity of offenders involved in violence against women and children would not be considered.

Hossain said the government is giving the highest importance to preventing terrorism, drugs, and mob culture in the country.

He assured that the administration has been instructed to work more effectively to improve the law and order situation.