Students nationwide have protested for three days against sexual violence, catalyzed by a severe case involving an 8-year-old girl. They demand justice, stricter sentences for offenders, and governmental accountability. Protests have taken place at universities, including Rajshahi and Chittagong, where students have voiced their demands and signaled their intent to continue until change occurs.
In a significant nationwide movement, students across the country have held protests for three consecutive days, advocating for justice for victims of sexual violence, demanding harsher penalties for perpetrators, and calling for the resignation of the home affairs adviser. The catalyst for these demonstrations was a severe case of rape involving an 8-year-old girl who is currently in critical condition. Protests began on a Saturday evening in response to this tragic incident involving a middle-aged man.
Today, students from Rajshahi University and Chittagong University participated actively in the protests. They blocked major roads and gathered on university grounds, while a human chain was formed in Manikganj, demonstrating a united front against sexual violence and demanding accountability.
In Rajshahi, several hundred students obstructed the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, advocating for nationwide measures to prevent rape. The protest commenced at 11:30 AM, moving towards the university’s main gate and effectively blocking the highway until 1:00 PM. Numerous schools joined the RU students in solidarity, marching towards the university.
Fahim Reza, a participant in the protests, stated the group’s demands, including the establishment of a special tribunal to fast-track rape case trials and the necessity of implementing effective preventive measures by the interim government to ensure women’s safety. Salahuddin Ammar emphasized the demand for trials to be completed within 30 days and for rapists to face punishment.
In Manikganj, the Government Devendra College unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organized a human chain to express discontent with the rising violence against women and the failing law enforcement system. Abdul Khalek Shuvo, the district unit President, remarked on the alarming increase in violence and the urgent need for a people-friendly government to restore order.
At Chittagong University, a sit-in protest aimed at highlighting issues of murder, rape, and violence against women was also held. Participants, including faculty members, addressed the concerning climate of impunity surrounding these issues. Imtiaz, a Bengali Department student, highlighted the large number of unreported cases and criticized the ineffectiveness of the judicial system in punishing offenders.
Engaging in this active resistance, the students have made it clear that they will maintain their presence in the streets until their demands, including the enforcement of the death penalty for rapists, are acknowledged and realized. Protests have also been reported at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, indicating a widespread commitment to change and justice.
The protests across numerous universities signify a critical response to sexual violence in the country, with students uniting to demand justice and accountability. The movement calls for stronger punitive measures against offenders and reflects a broader societal frustration with the current law enforcement system. As these demonstrations continue, the students’ resolve to push for reforms highlights an urgent need for systemic change to ensure the safety and rights of women.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
