For the third consecutive day, students nationwide protested against rising sexual violence, notably after a brutal rape case involving an 8-year-old girl sparked outrage. Demonstrating at several universities, students demanded stricter laws, faster trials, and judicial reforms, while expressing solidarity through various activities. The protests highlighted the urgent need for systemic change regarding women’s safety and justice.
Students across the nation have been protesting for three consecutive days, demanding justice for victims of sexual violence, enhanced punishment for offenders, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. This unrest has been triggered by a recent alarming case of sexual violence involving an 8-year-old girl currently fighting for her life, which has galvanized public outrage and sparked widespread protests since Saturday night.
Demonstrations have taken place in various locations, including Rajshahi and Chittagong universities. In Rajshahi, students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, advocating for measures to prevent rape and demanding the highest penalties for perpetrators to protect women’s safety. Students gathered in large numbers, beginning a march from Paris Road, heading towards the main university gate, and maintaining their protest until 1:00 PM.
Fahim Reza, a student protester, emphasized the need for a special tribunal to expedite trials of rape cases, stating, “We demand setting up a special tribunal to accelerate the trials of rape cases. We will continue our movement against rape.” Salahuddin Ammar articulated additional demands, seeking completion of trials within 30 days and the establishment of a nationwide DNA collection process.
In Manikganj, members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal formed a human chain to highlight violence against women and the deteriorating law and order situation. JCD leader Abdul Khalek Shuvo addressed the urgent need for a responsive government, emphasizing, “A people-friendly elected government is needed now to save the country and the people of the country.”
Chittagong University students also participated in a sit-in protest against the overall surge of violence against women and raised issues concerning illegal expulsions of female students. The protests across various universities demand the death penalty as the maximum punishment for rapists, with many students expressing their determination to remain vigilant until change is realized. Student Imtiaz noted the urgency of the matter, proclaiming, “Many incidents happen regularly in the country, but we do not get to see them.”
The protests extend to other universities, including Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, showcasing the widespread concern regarding the insufficiency of justice and the need for systemic reform. Professor G.H. Habib from Chittagong University lamented, “Year after year, incidents of murder, rape, and violence continue to occur in this country, but justice has not been served in any of these cases.”
The wave of protests reflects the growing impatience and urgency among students and activists regarding the increase in sexual violence in the country. Calls for justice, immediate reform, and the need for stricter punishments for offenders have resonated deeply within the communities. The movement underscores a collective demand for systemic change to ensure the safety and dignity of women across the nation.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
