Students nationwide continue to protest for three days against rising sexual violence, following the rape of an 8-year-old girl. Their demands include stricter laws, quicker judicial processes, and the resignation of high-level officials. Protests have occurred in various universities, with significant participation denouncing inadequacies in handling such crimes.
Across the country, students have protested for three consecutive days, demanding justice for victims of sexual violence, stricter penalties for offenders, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. The catalyst for these demonstrations was a recent, severe incident involving the rape of an 8-year-old girl, which has united students in outrage and demands for action.
At Rajshahi University, several hundred students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, starting their march from Paris Road and gathering at the main gate before disrupting traffic. They demanded initiatives to prevent rape and enforce severe punishments for perpetrators to ensure women’s safety. Protesters emphasized the establishment of a special tribunal to fast-track rape case trials and additional reforms for handling DNA evidence.
In Manikganj, the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal formed a human chain to condemn rising violence against women and the ineffective law enforcement handling such issues. Local leaders highlighted the urgent need for a responsive and people-oriented government to address the alarming rise in violence and ensure public safety.
Chittagong University students held a sit-in protest against gender-based violence, where faculty members also participated. They have voiced their demands for the death penalty as the highest consequence for rapists and criticized the prevailing culture of impunity. Concerns included issues of unreported cases and the failure of the judicial system to provide justice.
Similar protests have proliferated in Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, indicating a nationwide call for reform and action against sexual violence. The students have suggested maintaining pressure through continued demonstrations until significant changes are realized in the legal framework surrounding these offenses.
The ongoing protests by students across the country highlight a collective demand for justice, stricter punishment for sexual offenses, and significant reforms in the system. Incited by a particularly disturbing case of child rape, demonstrators are raising awareness about the systemic issues related to gender-based violence, including the inadequacies of the judicial system. The movement signifies a crucial attempt to challenge and reform societal attitudes towards sexual violence and the protection of women.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
