Students nationwide protest for the third day against sexual violence, demanding justice, stricter punishments for offenders, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. The protests were sparked by the severe case of an eight-year-old rape victim. Major demonstrations occurred at Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, and Manikganj, illustrating a unified demand for comprehensive reform and accountability in ensuring women’s safety.
For three consecutive days, students nationwide have mobilized in protests, demanding justice for victims of sexual violence, stricter penalties for perpetrators, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. This nationwide agitation was ignited by the critical incident involving the rape of an eight-year-old girl, who is currently fighting for her life, prompting widespread discontent and calls for action.
On Monday, students from Rajshahi University and Chittagong University played a prominent role in these protests. Hundreds of Rajshahi University students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, advocating for enhanced preventive measures against rape and the execution of severe penalties for offenders to safeguard women’s rights and safety.
The protest at Rajshahi University commenced at 11:30 AM from the university’s Paris Road, relocating to the main gate by 12:15 PM before blocking traffic until 1:00 PM. Several educational institutions in Rajshahi joined in solidarity, and a collective march toward the university’s main gate took place at 12:30 PM. Protester Fahim Reza called for a special tribunal to expedite rape trial processes, emphasizing the necessity for government accountability in ensuring women’s safety.
In Manikganj, the Government Devendra College unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) formed a human chain on campus, protesting against violence towards women and the deteriorating law enforcement. JCD’s local leaders articulated the urgent need for a stabilizing, people-centric elected government, voicing concerns over the increasing violence and lawlessness nationwide.
Chittagong University students also staged a sit-in to condemn murder, rape, and violence against women. The demonstration, attended by faculty members, highlighted issues such as recent illegal expulsions of female students. Protests in many universities emphasize the students’ demands for the imposition of the death penalty on rapists, with student Imtiaz remarking on the alarming underreporting of sexual violence cases.
Furthermore, faculty members like Professor G.H. Habib underscored the requirement for systemic reforms in education as a foundational step towards addressing the entrenched culture of impunity surrounding gender-based violence. Additional protests have been noted at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, illustrating the widespread dissatisfaction and determination of students throughout the country.
The recent wave of student protests across the country manifests a unified demand for justice, accountability, and substantial reform in addressing sexual violence. Triggered by the grievous case of a young rape victim, students have emerged as a formidable force advocating for stricter punishment of offenders and systemic improvements. With ongoing protests in multiple universities, the fight against the culture of impunity continues to gain momentum, emphasizing the collective resolve of the youth in their quest for safety and justice.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
