Nationwide Student Protests Demand Justice and Stricter Rape Punishments
Students have protested for three consecutive days across the nation, demanding justice for victims of sexual violence and stricter punishments for offenders. Outrage has arisen from a recent increase in sexual violence, particularly following the rape of an 8-year-old girl. Major protests occurred at Rajshahi University, Manikganj, and Chittagong University, with students articulating key demands for systemic reforms.
Students nationwide have engaged in protests for the third consecutive day, calling for justice for sexual violence victims, stringent punishment for offenders, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. This nationwide movement was ignited by an alarming increase in sexual violence, especially following the tragic rape of an 8-year-old girl, who is currently battling for her life,
starting on Saturday night.
At Rajshahi University, hundreds of students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, advocating for comprehensive measures to prevent rape and demanding maximum penalties for perpetrators. The protest commenced at 11:30 a.m. and lasted until 1:00 p.m., with students from various institutions joining in solidarity. Protester Fahim Reza emphasized the need for a special tribunal to hasten rape trials, asserting, “We demand setting up a special tribunal to accelerate the trials of rape cases. We will continue our movement against rape.”
In Manikganj, members of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organized a human chain at their campus, highlighting the rise in violence against women and problems with law enforcement. President Abdul Khalek Shuvo noted the alarming surge in violence, stating, “The law and order situation has become fragile. A people-friendly elected government is needed now to save the country and the people of the country.”
Chittagong University also witnessed a sit-in protest against violence towards women, involving both students and faculty. The students demanded the death penalty for rapists, pledging not to leave the streets until their demands were met. Student Imtiaz declared, “The number of rape cases reported by the media is just the tip of the iceberg—many more remain unreported.”
Protests were similarly staged at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, showcasing a unified stand against sexual violence across the nation. Professor G.H. Habib voiced the need for systemic changes, arguing, “Reforming our education system should be the first step. Only then can we gradually overcome these issues.”
In summary, students across the nation have unified in a powerful protest against sexual violence, demanding justice and stricter repercussions for offenders. Key demands include the establishment of special tribunals for rapid trial resolution, the implementation of a nationwide DNA collection protocol, and the push for capital punishment for rapists. This movement reflects a profound urgency for reform in the current law enforcement and judicial systems to protect the rights and safety of women across the country.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
