Student Protests Erupt Nationwide Against Sexual Violence and Injustice

Students nationwide are protesting for the third day, demanding justice for sexual violence victims, stricter punishments for offenders, and the resignation of the home affairs adviser. Sparked by a recent horrific incident, protests include blocking highways, forming human chains, and sit-in demonstrations, exemplifying a united demand for significant legal reforms.

For three consecutive days, students across the nation have mobilized in protest, advocating for justice for victims of sexual violence, calling for harsher penalties for perpetrators, and demanding the resignation of the home affairs adviser. The protests have been ignited by a distressing incident involving the rape of an 8-year-old girl, who is currently battling for her life, prompting public outrage since Saturday evening.

In Rajshahi, students from Rajshahi University blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway, advocating for the prevention of rape nationwide and asking for the harshest penalties for offenders to ensure women’s safety. The protest commenced around 11:30 a.m. on Monday and saw participation from various local institutions that joined the march towards the university’s main gate.

One protester, Fahim Reza, expressed the need for swift legal action, stating, “We demand setting up a special tribunal to accelerate the trials of rape cases. We will continue our movement against rape. Interim government must take effective steps to stop rape and ensure women safety.” Salahuddin Ammar laid out three key demands: that rape trials be concluded within 30 days, a nationwide DNA collection procedure be established, and severe punishment for all rapists.

In Manikganj, the Government Devendra College unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal formed a human chain on campus to protest violence against women and the current law and order situation. Abdul Khalek Shuvo, the JCD district unit President, lamented the rising violence and the administration’s inability to handle it effectively, calling for a people-friendly government to restore safety.

Chittagong University students also held a sit-in protest addressing the pervasive violence against women. Their demonstration highlighted issues such as the recent illegal expulsions of female students. Students nationwide have echoed a plea for death penalties for rapists, declaring their commitment to remain on the streets until their demands are met.

Imtiaz, a Bengali Department student, remarked on the secrecy surrounding many incidents of rape, stating, “The number of rape cases reported by the media is just the tip of the iceberg—many more remain unreported.” Professor G.H. Habib from the Department of English emphasized the systemic issues contributing to a culture of impunity and advocated for educational reform as a starting point for meaningful change. Protests also occurred at Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, continuing the call for justice and reform.

The ongoing protests led by students across the country reveal a unified stand against the alarming rates of sexual violence and inadequacies within the judicial system. With a common demand for stricter legal measures against offenders and a call for urgent governmental action, these protests signify a crucial moment in the fight for women’s safety. The collective efforts of students highlight a pressing need for systemic reform and a cultural shift towards addressing and preventing violence against women.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net