§ 1Short title and introduction
Sections52
LanguageEnglish
The Acid Crime Control Act, 2002 is a special penal law criminalising the throwing or administering of acid and other corrosive substances with intent to cause harm, injury, or disfigurement in Bangladesh. It applies to any person who commits acid-related violence within the territory of Bangladesh and establishes enhanced penalties beyond the Penal Code. The Act provides for severe punishments including death or life imprisonment for acid attacks resulting in death, and life imprisonment plus fines of up to one lakh taka for attacks causing grievous hurt. It also penalises abetment and attempts. Key mechanisms include mandatory investigation by the police, the establishment of provision for victim compensation, and restrictions on the sale, purchase, and storage of acid. A notable provision is the requirement for acid traders to obtain licences and maintain records of sales (Sections 12-13). The Act establishes a fund for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims and provides for free medical treatment. It also criminalises the carrying of acid with intent to harm and imposes minimum sentences with discretion for courts only in limited circumstances. The Act remains in force and has been a key legislative response to acid violence in Bangladesh.
Full text · showing key sections
§ 2Definition
2 Unless there is anything contrary to the subject or context, in this Act,—
(a) “offence” means an offense punishable under this Act;
(b) “acid” means any form of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, including concentrated, liquid or mixture;
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[***] Caustic potash, carbolic acid, battery fluid (acid), chromic acid and aqua-regia, and other corrosive substances prescribed by the government;
(c) “person affected by acid” means a person physically affected by acid as a result of throwing acid or otherwise;
(d) “Physician” means
Medical and Dental Council Act, 1980
registered medical practitioner as defined in clause (m) of section 2 of (Act XVI of 1980);
(e) "Deputy Commissioner" shall include an officer empowered by the Deputy Commissioner;
(f) “Council Fund” means the National Acid Control Council Fund constituted under section 10;
(g) “Council” means the National Acid Control Council constituted under section 4;
(h) “rules” means rules made under this Act;
(j) “person” shall include a company, association, partnership, statutory or other body;
(j) “license” means a license granted by the Government under this Act;
(k) “licensing authority” means the Government and shall also include the officer mentioned in section 16; And
(l) "place" means any building, structure, vehicle, whether stationary or moving, and shall include business establishments, industrial establishments, airports, seaports, post offices and exit check-posts;
§ 3Rule of law
3 Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall remain in force.
§ 4Establishment of National Acid Control Council
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[4. Establishment of National Acid Control Council. (1) To carry out the purposes of this Act,
There will be a council called National Acid Control Council.
(2)The Council shall consist of the following members, namely:
(1)The Minister in charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who shall also be its Chairman;
(2)Minister in-charge of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, who is
The co-chairman will also be;
The co-chairman will also be;
(3)one woman Member of Parliament nominated by the Speaker of the National Assembly;
(4)The Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, who shall also be its Member-Secretary;
(5)Secretary, Ministry of Industry;
(6)Secretary, Ministry of Commerce;
(7)Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare;
(8)Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs;
(9)Secretary, Law and Justice Department, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs;
(10)Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare;
(11)Inspector General of Police, Bangladesh Police;
(12)Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and appointed by the Government
A prominent businessman as representative of industries;
A prominent businessman as representative of industries;
(13)One as a representative of the National Press Club nominated by the Government
Distinguished journalist;
Distinguished journalist;
(14)a representative working in the electronic media nominated by the Government;
(15)Chairman, National Women's Organization;
(16)Chemistry, Applied Chemistry nominated by the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University,
A Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry or Pharmacy;
A Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry or Pharmacy;
(17)Working in Bangladesh Science and Industrial Research Council nominated by Govt
A research scientist;
A research scientist;
(18)Burns of Government Medical Colleges as specialists nominated by the Government
An experienced physician in the unit;
An experienced physician in the unit;
(19)Chairperson, Women's Council;
(20)President, Women's Association;
(21)one woman lawyer nominated by the Attorney General of Bangladesh;
(22)Nominated by the Government from among the private organizations working at the national level
Two representatives, one of whom shall be a woman.
Two representatives, one of whom shall be a woman.
(23)President of Bangladesh Tati Association;
(24)President of Bangladesh Acid Merchants Association;
(25)President of Bangladesh Jewelery Association.
(3)No member of the Council referred to in sub-section (2) shall, on his nomination
shall hold membership for a period of two years from the date; Provided, however, that
The government can cancel his nomination at any time.
shall hold membership for a period of two years from the date; Provided, however, that
The government can cancel his nomination at any time.
(4)The Government may, at any time, appoint any person to be a member of the Council
can co-opt as
can co-opt as
(5)Resignation of any nominated member by registered letter addressed to the Government
You can do it.]
You can do it.]
§ 5Responsibilities and Duties of the Council
5 The duties and responsibilities of the Council shall be as follows, namely:-
(a) make recommendations regarding the regulation of manufacture, transportation, storage, sale and use of acid and the regulation of imports;
(b) to formulate and implement necessary policies to prevent possible harmful reactions caused by acid and misuse of acid;
(c) to formulate policies for the treatment, rehabilitation and provision of legal assistance to persons affected by acid and to take measures for their implementation and monitoring;
(d) undertaking necessary educational and promotional activities to make the public aware of the evils and dangers of acid abuse;
(e) conduct any research or survey to collect any information relating to acid use and abuse;
(f) Liaising with all relevant ministries and agencies on acid related matters and coordinating all related activities;
(g) formulation of sound waste management policies for control of possible damage caused by acid or mixture of acids released as waste in the production process of industrial establishments and taking measures for their implementation and monitoring; And
(h) To take any other measures necessary for the discharge of the aforesaid duties and responsibilities
§ 6Council meeting
6 (1) Subject to the other provisions of this section, the Council may determine the procedure for its meetings.
(2)All meetings of the Council shall be held at such place and time as may be fixed by its Chairman:
Provided thatat least one meeting of the Council shall be held in every three months
(3)The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Council and in his absence the Chairman shall preside
(4)The presence of one-fourth of the total members of the Council shall constitute a quorum at its meeting
(5)No act or proceeding of the Council shall be illegal or any question shall be raised merely because there is any defect in the constitution of the Council or any vacancy therein.
§ 7District Committee
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[7. (1) There shall be one committee in each district called District Committee of National Acid Control Council.
(2)A Member of Parliament of the said district nominated by the Government shall be the adviser of the concerned District Committee.
(3)The District Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-
(a) the Deputy Commissioner, who shall also be its Chairman;
(b) Superintendent of Police;
(c) Civil Surgeon;
(d) the elected Mayor of the District Headquarter Municipality, or alternatively, a councilor nominated by the Mayor in the case of a City Corporation;
(e) one woman Vice-Chairman of Upazila Parishads nominated by the Government;
(f) Special Public Prosecutor/Public Prosecutor for Acid Matters;
(g) District Social Service Officer;
(h) District Women Affairs Officer;
(j) a police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police nominated by the Superintendent of Police, who shall also be its Member-Secretary;
(j) President, District Women's Association;
(k) two representatives from among tanners, jewelers and other acid users nominated by the Deputy Commissioner;
(l) a distinguished journalist as representative of the District Press Club nominated by the Deputy Commissioner; 7568 Bangladesh Gazette, Additional, July 19, 2010
(d) a prominent businessman as representative of the District Chamber of Commerce and Industries nominated by the Deputy Commissioner;
(d) Two representatives of such non-governmental organizations operating in the district nominated by the Deputy Commissioner, one of whom must be a woman.
(a) the Deputy Commissioner, who shall also be its Chairman;
(b) Superintendent of Police;
(c) Civil Surgeon;
(d) the elected Mayor of the District Headquarter Municipality, or alternatively, a councilor nominated by the Mayor in the case of a City Corporation;
(e) one woman Vice-Chairman of Upazila Parishads nominated by the Government;
(f) Special Public Prosecutor/Public Prosecutor for Acid Matters;
(g) District Social Service Officer;
(h) District Women Affairs Officer;
(j) a police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police nominated by the Superintendent of Police, who shall also be its Member-Secretary;
(j) President, District Women's Association;
(k) two representatives from among tanners, jewelers and other acid users nominated by the Deputy Commissioner;
(l) a distinguished journalist as representative of the District Press Club nominated by the Deputy Commissioner; 7568 Bangladesh Gazette, Additional, July 19, 2010
(d) a prominent businessman as representative of the District Chamber of Commerce and Industries nominated by the Deputy Commissioner;
(d) Two representatives of such non-governmental organizations operating in the district nominated by the Deputy Commissioner, one of whom must be a woman.
(4)A member nominated as referred to in sub-section 3 shall hold office as a member for two years from the date of nomination:
Provided thatthe Deputy Commissioner may at any time cancel his nomination.
(5)The Deputy Commissioner may, if necessary, co-opt any person as a member of the District Committee at any time.
(6)Any member nominated by a registered letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner may resign his office.]
§ 8Responsibilities and duties of district committee
8 The responsibilities and duties of the District Committee shall be as follows, namely:-
(a) Implementation of the policies laid down by the Council regarding the control of production, transportation, storage, sale and use of acid;
(b) to implement and implement policies laid down by the Council for the prevention of potentially harmful reactions caused by acid and the misuse of acid;
(c) to implement policies laid down by the Council regarding the treatment, rehabilitation and provision of legal assistance to persons affected by acid and to take measures to implement and monitor the same;
(d) undertaking necessary educational and promotional activities to make the public aware of the evils and dangers of acid abuse;
(e) conduct any research or survey to collect any information relating to acid use and abuse;
(f) Liaising with all departments and organizations concerned with acid matters and coordinating all related activities;
(g) to implement the policies laid down by the Council on sound waste management for the control of potential damage caused by acid or acid mixtures emitted as waste in the production process of industrial establishments and to take measures for their implementation and monitoring; And
(h) take any measures for the performance of the above-mentioned duties and responsibilities assigned by the Council.
§ 9District committee meeting
9 (1) The District Committee may determine the procedure of its meetings
(2)All meetings of the District Committee shall be held at such place and time as may be fixed by its Chairman:
Provided thatat least one meeting of the District Committee shall be held every two months
(3)The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the District Committee and in his absence any other member of the District Committee nominated by him shall preside.
(4)The presence of one-fourth of the total members of the District Committee shall constitute a quorum in its meeting
§ 10National Acid Control Council Fund
10 (1) The Council shall have a separate fund called “National Acid Control Council Fund” for the purpose of raising public awareness about the evils and dangers of acid abuse and for raising funds for the treatment, rehabilitation and legal assistance of acid victims.
(2)The following amounts shall be deposited in the said fund, namely:-
(a) Grants made by Government;
(b) grants made by any foreign government or organization or any international organization with the approval of the Government;
(c) grants made by any local authority;
(d) donations made by any institution or person; And
(e) Money received from any other source
(a) Grants made by Government;
(b) grants made by any foreign government or organization or any international organization with the approval of the Government;
(c) grants made by any local authority;
(d) donations made by any institution or person; And
(e) Money received from any other source
(3)The money deposited in the fund shall be deposited in any Scheduled Bank
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[(4) The Government shall administer the fund and shall maintain the fund and spend its money in such manner and form as may be prescribed by rules.]
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[(4) The Government shall administer the fund and shall maintain the fund and spend its money in such manner and form as may be prescribed by rules.]
§ 11District Committee Fund
(1)There shall be a District Committee fund in each district and therein
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Money allocated by the [Government], grants made by any person or organization and money received from any other source shall be deposited
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Money allocated by the [Government], grants made by any person or organization and money received from any other source shall be deposited
(2)The money of the district committee fund shall be deposited in any branch of the district scheduled bank and the money shall be withdrawn from the said fund with the joint signature of the chairman and member-secretary of the district committee.
(3)Necessary expenses of the District Committee shall be met from the funds of the District Committee
§ 12Accounting and auditing
12 (1) The Council and the District Committee shall keep proper accounts of its funds and prepare annual statements of accounts.
(2)The Auditor-General and Comptroller of Bangladesh, hereinafter referred to as the Auditor-General, shall annually audit the accounts of the funds of the Councils and District Committees and submit a copy of the audit report to the Government and, as the case may be, to the Councils and District Committees.
(3)For the purpose of auditing the accounts under sub-section (2), the Auditor-General or any person authorized by him for this purpose, as the case may be, may examine all records, documents, cash or bank deposits, securities, treasures and other property of the Council and District Committee and may interrogate any member of the Council and District Committee or any officer or employee.
§ 13Rehabilitation Center for Acid Victims
13 (1) The Government may establish one or more rehabilitation centers for persons affected by acid
(2)The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare any Government establishment to be a 'rehabilitation center for acid victims'.
§ 14Treatment of persons affected by acid
14 If the Upazila Nirbahi Officer or the Deputy Commissioner or any officer empowered by him for this purpose comes to know that any person has been affected by acid and requires immediate treatment to bring him back to normal life, then the Deputy Commissioner or the said officer may recommend in writing to the District Committee to treat the affected person.
§ 15Providing legal assistance to acid victims
15 (1) If any person is affected by acid, he or any other person on his behalf can apply to the district committee for legal aid.
(2)If, on the basis of an application received under sub-section (1), or on any other information or in the opinion of the Committee, it is considered appropriate to provide legal assistance to any person affected by acid, the District Committee shall provide such assistance by appointing a lawyer or, as the case may be, by paying cash.
§ 16Licensing Authority
16 (1) The Government shall be the licensing authority for the purpose of controlling the import and manufacture of acid
(2)The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district shall be the Licensing Authority for the purpose of controlling the transport, storage, sale and use of acid.
(3)All activities of the Licensing Authority in matters relating to the granting and supervision of licenses shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be regulated and conducted in the manner prescribed by the Rules.
§ 17Restrictions on grant or renewal of licences, etc
17 Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, no person shall be eligible to obtain or renew a license under this Act, if—
(a) he is convicted of an offense punishable under this Act and sentenced to imprisonment for any term and five years have not elapsed after his release, or has been sentenced to a fine exceeding fifty thousand rupees and five years has not elapsed after the recovery of the fine;
(b) he violates any condition of a license granted under this Act and the said license is therefore cancelled
§ 18Power to declare temporary closure of shops selling acid or vehicles carrying acid
18 If the officer empowered for this purpose by the Government is satisfied that it is necessary to temporarily stop the movement of any acid-selling shop or transport vehicle, he may, by written order, order the closure of the said shop or vehicle for a period not exceeding fifteen days.
§ 19License, etc. cancelled
19 (1) If any person violates any condition of the license granted to him or is convicted for any offense under this Act or for any offense cognizable under any other law, the Licensing Authority may cancel his license after giving him an opportunity to show cause.
(2)Any person aggrieved by any order passed under sub-section (1) may, within thirty days from the date of receipt of the order, apply to the Government for appeal or reconsideration, as the case may be.
(3)The decision of the authority mentioned in sub-section (2) shall be final and no question shall be raised against the said decision in any court.
§ 20Suspension of license, etc
20 If it appears to the Licensing Authority that any condition of the License is not being duly observed by any Licensee or its conditions are being violated, the said Authority may, by order in writing, subject to taking other measures under this Act, temporarily suspend the licence.
§ 21Power of entry, etc
21 The Licensing Authority or any officer generally or specially empowered by him for this purpose, subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder—
(a) enter and inspect at any time any place where any acid is or is being prepared or stored;
(b) enter and inspect, during the normal hours of shop opening, any shop where the prepared or collected acid is kept for sale; And
(c) at the place or shop mentioned in clauses (a) and (b)—
(b) inspect the books of accounts, registers and other documents kept;
(a) to determine the weight and quantity of equipment, equipment and materials for the preparation of acid and acid-like products obtained; And
(e) Detain any goods received, measuring instruments or testing instruments found or deemed to be defective during testing.
§ 22Maintenance of accounts, registers etc
22 Every licensee shall preserve all information relating to acid ie production, importation, transportation, storage, sale, consumption, purchase, etc., as the case may be, in the manner prescribed by the rules and shall forthwith show the same to the officer designated by the Licensing Authority.
§ 23power of investigation
23 The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, confer on the Licensing Authority or any officer designated by the Authority similar powers to an officer-in-charge of a police station to investigate offenses under this Act.
§ 24Power to issue warrants
24 (1) If any officer empowered by the Government under this Act has reason to believe that-
(a) any person commits any offense under this Act;
(b) any document, document or article of any kind necessary for the proof of any offense under this Act is kept in any place or with any person;
If so, he may, recording reasons for such belief, issue a warrant for the arrest of such person or for the search of such place at any time by day or night.
(2)Any warrant issued under sub-section (1) shall be sent to the police station to be executed by the officer-in-charge of the said police station.
§ 25Power to search without warrant, etc
25 (1) If any officer or Inspector of Police or any other officer empowered for this purpose by the Government, generally or specially, has reason to believe that any offense under this Act has been committed or is being committed or is likely to be committed at any place, he shall at any time record the reasons for such belief—
(a) may enter and search the said place and, if the entry is obstructed, may take any necessary measures, including breaking the doors and windows, to remove the obstruction;
(b) may seize acid or other substances used in the commission of crime found during the search of the said place, objects to be detained or confiscated under this Act and any documents or articles helpful in proving the crime;
(c) search the body of any person present at the said place;
(d) Any person present at the said place may be arrested if suspected of having committed or committing any offense under this Act.
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), if any officer has good reason to believe that there is a possibility that any thing connected with the crime may be destroyed or lost or that the criminal may escape if he does not enter and search any place between sunset and sunrise, he may enter and search the said place within the said period by recording the reason for such belief.
§ 26Notification of detention, etc. to superior officer
26 If any person is arrested or any thing seized under this Act, the arresting or detaining officer shall forthwith inform his superior by a written report thereof and shall forward a copy of the report to the Licensing Authority of the area concerned.
§ 27Power of detention or arrest in public places or vehicles
27 If any officer referred to in section 24 has reason to believe that in any public place or in any moving vehicle—
(a) any acid or any thing liable to confiscation in contravention of this Act or any document in support of the proof of any offense under this Act is preserved, he may, after recording his reason for believing the same, search and seize the said acid, thing or document relating thereto;
(b) any person committing or intending to commit an offense under this Act, may, after recording reasons for believing the same, detain and search him and arrest him if any acid or similar substance or document mentioned in clause (a) is found in his possession.
§ 28Method of search, etc
28 Except as otherwise provided in this Act, all warrants issued under this Act and all searches, arrests and detentions
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
(Act V of 1898) shall be followed
§ 29Obligation of mutual cooperation
29 The officers mentioned in section 24 shall be bound to give each other all kind of help and co-operation when required to enforce any provision of this Act.
§ 30Transfer of investigation of the case
30 The investigation authority of any crime under this Act shall, with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner, transfer the investigation to any officer specified by the Authority and the officer to whom the said investigation is transferred may, if necessary, conduct the investigation from the beginning or from the stage at which it has been transferred and may take appropriate measures at the end of the investigation.
§ 31Provisions relating to arrested persons and seized goods
31 (1) If any person is arrested or any object seized under this Act, the said person or seized object shall be handed over to the officer-in-charge of the nearest police station.
(2)The officer to whom any person or thing shall be sent under sub-section (1) shall, as soon as possible, take appropriate action in respect of the said person or thing.
§ 32Forfeitable acid, etc
32 (1) If any offense under this Act is committed, the acid, equipment, machinery, equipment, container, container, wrapper, vehicle, or any other thing in connection with or in connection with which the said offense is committed shall be forfeitable.
(2)Along with the acid which is forfeitable under sub-section (1), if any legal acid is found during the commission of the offence, the said legal acid shall also be forfeitable.
§ 33Confiscation procedures
33 (1) If, during the trial of any offense under this Act, the court comes to the conclusion that any thing seized is forfeitable under section 32, the court may order the forfeiture of the thing, whether or not the offense is proved.
(2)Where any thing liable to confiscation is seized but the offender concerned is not found, the Deputy Commissioner or, as the case may be, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer may by order in writing confiscate the same:
Provided, however, that before such confiscation order is passed, a notice shall be issued in the manner prescribed by the rules to give an opportunity to raise objections thereto and within the period specified in the notice, which shall be fifteen days from the date of issue of the notice, reasonable opportunity of being heard shall be given to the objector.
Provided, however, that before such confiscation order is passed, a notice shall be issued in the manner prescribed by the rules to give an opportunity to raise objections thereto and within the period specified in the notice, which shall be fifteen days from the date of issue of the notice, reasonable opportunity of being heard shall be given to the objector.
(3)Any person aggrieved by any order made under sub-section (2) shall, within thirty days from the date of receipt of the order—
(a) to the Deputy Commissioner if the order is given by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer; And
(b) if the order is passed by the Deputy Commissioner or the duly designated officer to the Government—
You can appeal
(a) to the Deputy Commissioner if the order is given by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer; And
(b) if the order is passed by the Deputy Commissioner or the duly designated officer to the Government—
You can appeal
(4)The decision of the Appellate Authority referred to in sub-section (3) shall be final and no question shall be raised against the said decision in any court.
§ 34Disposal or disposal of seized and impounded goods
34 On passing the confiscation order of any goods liable to confiscation under this Act, the goods shall be handed over to an officer nominated by the Government and he shall make arrangements for its use, transfer or destruction or in any other manner for its disposal in the manner prescribed by law.
§ 35Commissibility, non-bailability and non-bailability of offences
35 Offenses committed under this Act shall be cognizable, non-compoundable and non-bailable.
§ 36Penalty for manufacturing, importing, transporting, storing, selling and using acid without licence
36 If any person manufactures, imports, transports, stores, sells or uses or keeps in possession any acid without complying with the provisions of this Act and the rules made under this Act, such person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years but not exceeding three years and shall be liable to a fine of fifty thousand rupees in addition.
§ 37Penalty for keeping machinery etc. useful in acid production
37 If any such person, who is not licensed under this Act, is found in his possession or in any place occupied by him, any machinery, equipment or materials used in the production of acid, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and not exceeding fifteen years, and shall also be liable to fine in addition.
§ 38Penalty for allowing house or vehicle etc. to be used in commission of crime
38 If any person knowingly permits the use of any house, premises, land, vehicle, machinery or equipment owned or occupied by him for the commission of any offense under this Act, he shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and not more than one year, or with fine or with both.
§ 39Penalty for breach of conditions of licence, etc
39 If any person violates the conditions of any license granted under this Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and not exceeding one year, with rigorous imprisonment or with a fine not exceeding ten thousand taka or with both.
§ 40Penalty for filing false or harassing lawsuits
40 If any person files a suit against any other person in court for any offense under this Act and if on investigation or evidence it is proved that the allegation is false or vexatious, the complainant shall, for filing such false suit,
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[Below seven years and other two years] shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment and additional fine.
§ 41Penalty for abetment, etc
41 If any person abets or assists any person in the commission of any offense under this Act, or enters into a conspiracy with any person, such person—
(a) if the offense is not committed, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and not exceeding fifteen years and shall also be liable to fine in addition thereto; And
(b) If the offense is committed, he shall be liable to the same penalty as the principal offender
§ 42Punishment for re-offense
42 If a person commits the same offense again after being convicted and serving the sentence for any of the offenses mentioned in this Act, he shall be punished with double the maximum penalty for that offence.
§ 43Providing information about the prevention and treatment of acid abuse
43 (1) If any member of a family is affected by acid, then the head of that family or any other person shall inform the Upazila Nirbahi Officer or the Deputy Commissioner or the officer empowered by him for this purpose.
(2)If a physician is of the opinion that a person has been affected by acid and requires treatment, he shall advise the affected person for the necessary treatment and inform the Upazila Nirbahi Officer or the Deputy Commissioner or the officer empowered by him for this purpose in writing.
§ 44Collection of fines, etc
44 The monetary penalty provided under this Act shall be collected from the convicted person or from his existing assets, or in case of his death, to the heirs of the person who died due to the crime or, as the case may be, to the person who suffered physical or mental damage, or to his heirs in the case of the death of the person.
§ 45Offenses committed by the company
45 If the person who contravenes any provision under this Act is a company, the owner, director, manager, secretary or any other officer or agent of the said company shall be deemed to have contravened the provision, unless he can prove that the said contravention was committed without his knowledge or that he did his utmost to prevent the said contravention.
Explanation- In this section-
(a) "company" means any statutory public authority, commercial establishment and association or body, including shops;
(b) in the case of a commercial enterprise, "director" includes any partner or member of the board of directors thereof.
§ 46Assumptions about crime
46 If a person is found in possession of or in any place under his possession or control any equipment or apparatus used in the preparation of acid or any article or material necessary for the preparation of acid, the court may presume that he has committed an offense under this Act, and the onus of proof shall be on the person concerned if it is claimed that such person has not committed the same.
§ 47List of persons affected by acid
47 (1) Any person affected by acid or his guardian or guardian or physician may apply in writing to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer for inclusion of his name in the list under sub-section (2) and in view of such application, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer may list the name of the concerned person.
(2)The Upazila Nirbahi Officer shall prepare a quarterly list for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons affected by acid and send it to the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district.
(3)The list obtained under sub-section (2) shall be forwarded by the concerned Deputy Commissioner with specific recommendations to the District Committee for taking necessary action.
(4)The Council or, as the case may be, the District Committee shall take such measures as may be necessary for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons affected by acid listed under this section.
§ 48Chemical examiner and his report
48 (1) For the purposes of this Act, the Government may establish laboratories for the chemical examination of the type, quantity, degree of acid or any such substance and may appoint a chemical examiner for the same.
(2)If at any stage of any activity conducted under this Act, any substance requires chemical examination, it shall be sent to the chemical laboratory established under sub-section (1).
(3)The chemical test report signed by the chemical examiner shall be used as evidence in any inquiry, trial or any other proceeding under this Act.
(4)Chemical tests referred to in this section shall be carried out in any laboratory designated by the Government for the purpose until a chemical laboratory is established under this section.
§ 49Acts done in good faith
49 No civil or criminal suit or any other legal proceeding shall be taken against the Tajjani Government, Council, District Committee or any officer or person if any person is injured or is likely to be injured as a result of any act done in good faith while performing the duties under this Act.
§ 50Claims for compensation, etc. are inadmissible
50 Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, a licensee shall not be entitled to claim any compensation or refund of any fee paid by him in consequence of any order passed by the Licensing Authority or any other authorized officer under this Act.
The Acid Crime Control Act, 2002 is a special penal law criminalising the throwing or administering of acid and other corrosive substances with intent to cause harm, injury, or disfigurement in Bangladesh. It applies to any person who commits acid-related violence within the territory of Bangladesh and establishes enhanced penalties beyond the Penal Code. The Act provides for severe punishments including death or life imprisonment for acid attacks resulting in death, and life imprisonment plus fines of up to one lakh taka for attacks causing grievous hurt. It also penalises abetment and attempts. Key mechanisms include mandatory investigation by the police, the establishment of provision for victim compensation, and restrictions on the sale, purchase, and storage of acid. A notable provision is the requirement for acid traders to obtain licences and maintain records of sales (Sections 12-13). The Act establishes a fund for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims and provides for free medical treatment. It also criminalises the carrying of acid with intent to harm and imposes minimum sentences with discretion for courts only in limited circumstances. The Act remains in force and has been a key legislative response to acid violence in Bangladesh.