In Bangladesh, students are protesting against increasing gender-based violence, demanding justice, resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and stricter penalties for offenders. Triggered by recent violent incidents, protests involve multiple universities addressing the government’s failure to ensure women’s safety. These actions reflect significant public concern over law enforcement and accountability.
In Bangladesh, students are actively protesting against the rising incidents of gender-based violence. Notably, this unrest encompasses major urban areas, including the capital, Dhaka, particularly among students from Jahangirnagar University (JU). Key demands from the demonstrators include justice for rape victims, harsher penalties for perpetrators, and the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. They highlighted a crucial issue: if the interim government fails to ensure women’s safety, it should lose its authority.
The protests were triggered by a severe case involving the rape of a minor girl, exacerbating concerns over women’s safety nationwide. Protestors emphasized, “We have reached a point where we are all victims. The government cannot ensure our safety.” This sentiment illustrates the urgency for government intervention and action.
Multiple universities, such as Dhaka University and North South University, joined in solidarity to address this pressing issue. They organized protests focused on the escalating violence against women and the deteriorating law and order situation. A significant meeting by the ‘University Teachers’ Network’ reinforced this message, where educators and students condemned the violence and advocated for systemic change.
During these discussions, Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahboob from Dhaka University openly called for the resignation of Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, suggesting it would be a sign of honor amid the ongoing crisis. Highlighting the troubling trend since the current interim government took office in August 2024, hundreds of incidents of gender-based violence have been recorded across the country.
In conclusion, these protests underscore the palpable frustration among citizens regarding the government’s inability to manage and mitigate gender-based violence. Advocacy for justice and accountability exemplifies a larger demand for systemic reform in addressing these pressing societal issues.
The student protests in Bangladesh signify a critical public outcry against rising gender-based violence and a government perceived as ineffective in ensuring safety. Calls for the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the interim government’s handling of women’s rights. As these protests gain momentum, the national discourse around violence against women and the need for accountability in leadership continues to develop.
Original Source: www.thehansindia.com
