Students Protest in Bangladesh Against Gender-Based Violence and Call for Accountability
In Bangladesh, students protested against rising gender-based violence, triggered by a rape case involving a minor. They demanded justice for victims and the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The protests involve multiple universities and emphasize the pressing need for accountability and improved safety for women amid increasing criminal incidents.
In Bangladesh, students have staged widespread protests in major cities, including the capital Dhaka, against the rising incidents of gender-based violence. These demonstrations are catalyzed by a recent, alarming case of rape involving a minor girl, propelling protesters to call for justice and demand the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Participants from Jahangirnagar University (JU) have specifically highlighted the precarious law enforcement in the country, even blocking the Dhaka-Aricha highway to emphasize their concerns about women’s safety. Protesters assert that if the current interim government under Muhammad Yunus cannot safeguard women, it lacks the entitlement to govern.
Voices of dissent resonate among these protesters, who share the sentiment that every individual, from children to the elderly, is at risk under the present circumstances. “No woman is safe, whether a child, a pregnant woman, a disabled person, or the elderly. This is not the Bangladesh we wanted,” expressed a demonstrator, indicating a collective outrage toward the increased sexual violence.
The protests have garnered interest from various educational institutions, including Dhaka University and North South University, where instructors and students converge to address the dire situation. The recent assembly by the ‘University Teachers’ Network’ at Dhaka University highlighted both condemnation of violence against women and critiques of governmental inadequacies.
Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahboob called for the dismissal of the Home Affairs Advisor, questioning his capability to address the crisis adequately. “Resignation is an honourable exit. He does not deserve that honour,” she asserted. Since the emergence of the Yunus-led government in August 2024, numerous cases of violence against women have been reported, reflecting deteriorating societal stability.
Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, echoed these concerns, stating, “Society is descending into chaos, where lawlessness and criminal impunity are growing.” This highlights the demand for accountability and effective law enforcement to combat rising criminal activities, particularly those against women.
The protests in Bangladesh present a critical moment as students and educators unite to confront escalating gender-based violence under the current interim government. With alarming incidents prompting demands for accountability and governmental change, these demonstrations signify a growing resistance against lawlessness and a plea for enhanced protection of women’s rights. The call for the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor underscores the urgent need for effective governance in safeguarding societal interests.
Original Source: www.thehansindia.com
