Students in Bangladesh Protest Against Gender-Based Violence and Government Inaction

In Bangladesh, students protested against rising gender-based violence and demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Triggered by a recent rape incident, demonstrations across major cities emphasized the need for justice and accountability. Various educational institutions joined forces, denouncing the government’s failure to protect women amidst a backdrop of increasing violence.

In Bangladesh, a significant student protest unfolded across multiple cities, including the capital, Dhaka. Students demanded accountability for increasing gender-based violence and the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Protestors from Jahangirnagar University (JU) and other institutions vocally expressed their concerns about the rampant sexual violence, urging for justice and stricter punishments for offenders, particularly following a recent severe incident involving a minor girl.

The protests emerged in response to a heartbreaking case in which a girl is fighting for her life in a hospital after being raped by an older man. Demonstrators articulated their frustration, asserting that public safety cannot be guaranteed by the current government under Muhammad Yunus. One protestor articulated the pervasive insecurity, saying, “We have reached a point where we are all victims. The government cannot ensure our safety.”

Demonstrations drew participation from various educational institutions, including Dhaka University and North South University, who collaborated in raising awareness about the deteriorating law and order situation. On Sunday, the ‘University Teachers’ Network’ convened at Dhaka University, where faculty and students discussed the alarming rise in violence against women while holding the government accountable for its inaction.

Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahboob from Dhaka University advocated for the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor, remarking that it would be a dignified exit, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. The situation reflects a growing unrest in Bangladesh, with numerous cases of violence against women surfacing since the interim government took office in August 2024. Fauzia Moslem, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, characterized the societal decline, stating, “Society is descending into chaos, where lawlessness and criminal impunity are growing.”

The protests encapsulate a collective demand for accountability and justice as the students and community confront the escalating crisis of gender-based violence in Bangladesh, urging for immediate action from those in power to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The protests led by students in Bangladesh signify a heightened awareness and urgent response to gender-based violence under the current regime. With demands for justice and accountability, they highlight a critical societal issue that affects women’s safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement. The calls for the resignation of key governmental officials illustrate the deep dissatisfaction with current leadership and the need for significant change to protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.thehansindia.com