Desk Report: Students across the country have taken to the streets in outrage following a series of horrific rape incidents, including the brutal assault of an eight-year-old girl by her sister’s father-in-law. Protests began late Saturday night and continued into Sunday, with citizens demanding justice and stricter measures to combat sexual violence.
Dhaka University Leads the Charge
At Dhaka University (DU), teachers and students organized a protest rally on campus this morning under the banner of the University Teachers’ Network. The gathering began at 11:00am at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla, with the rally commencing at 11:45am. Faculty members, including Professor Geeti Ara Nasreen and Associate Professor Dr. Samina Luthfa, condemned the surge in sexual violence and called for immediate legal action.
DU students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding justice for rape victims and warning that failure to act should result in the resignation of the home adviser. The protest began at midnight, with students from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall and Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall marching to Raju Memorial Sculpture, where they chanted slogans like “Death to rapists!” and “No place for rapists in our golden Bengal!”
Female students from Rokeya Hall held a torch rally on Saturday evening, demanding public executions for rapists. The march circled the vice-chancellor’s office before returning to its starting point. Umama Fatema, spokesperson for Students Against Discrimination, announced the formation of an “Anti-Rape Platform” by DU’s female students. They demanded the immediate establishment of a special tribunal to address rape cases and the execution of those involved in the Magura rape case.
Rajshahi University Joins the Movement
At Rajshahi University, hundreds of students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway for 30 minutes, announcing a boycott of classes and exams until stricter measures against rape are implemented. Around 11:30am, they held a protest march on Paris Road, demanding the highest punishment for offenders to ensure women’s safety.
Samarita Nag, a student protester, highlighted the pervasive nature of the issue, stating, “Women are not even safe in their own homes or around relatives. The government must guarantee the protection of women’s dignity.”
Jahangirnagar University Disrupts Traffic
Students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway early Sunday, disrupting traffic for 30 minutes. Chanting slogans like “Catch every rapist, bury them one by one,” protesters gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest those responsible for the Magura rape case.
Khulna University Demands Capital Punishment
At Khulna University, students staged an unplanned demonstration at 3:00am, demanding capital punishment for the accused in the Magura case. Protesters from multiple residential halls marched across campus, warning of larger demonstrations if justice is delayed.
Chittagong University Marches for Justice
General students of Chittagong University took to the streets, demanding a proper investigation into various rape incidents and the highest punishment for the accused. They specifically called for justice in the Magura case, chanting slogans like “Hang the rapists!” and “We want justice!” The protest began at Zero Point and concluded in front of Sheikh Hasina Hall.
Jagannath University Holds Torch Procession
Students at Jagannath University (JnU) staged a torch procession and protest rally on Sunday evening against the ongoing incidents of rape and violence against women and children. The procession began at the university’s Sculpture Square, moved through the main gate, and blocked the Tatibazar intersection for 30 minutes. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Catch the rapists one by one, slaughter them one by one!” and “We demand justice, interim justice now!”
Nationwide Participation
Students from other institutions, including North South University, Independent University Bangladesh, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Comilla Victoria Government College, also held protest rallies against the nationwide violence against women. The collective outcry reflects a growing demand for immediate action to address the alarming rise in sexual violence and ensure justice for victims.
The protests underscore the urgency of the issue, with students and citizens alike calling for systemic changes to protect women and children from sexual violence. The government faces mounting pressure to respond decisively and implement measures to prevent further atrocities.