Acid Control Act 2002 and Acid Crime Prevention Acts 2002

Brief Description

In 2002 the Bangladeshi Government passed two Acts, the Acid Control Act 2002 and the Acid Crime Prevention Acts 2002 (1st and 2nd Act), restricting import and sale of acid in open markets.

Some important features of the laws are as follows:

• Establishment of a National Acid Control Council Fund;
• Establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre for victims of acid crimes;
• Treatment for victims of acid crimes;
• Provision of Legal Aid for victims of acid crimes;
• Locking up shops to prevent the sale of acid and banning transport engaged in carrying acid;
• Temporary cancellation of acid selling licenses;
• Capital punishment of the acid thrower and penalty of up to Tk 1 lakh (approximately US$ 1,709);
• Judgment in special tribunals;
• Judgment in the absence of the criminal;
• Power of the Magistrate to take record of witnesses anywhere.