In protest against the growing incidents of rape across the country, students of Rajshahi University (RU) blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway, calling for the swift and severe punishment of rapists.
On Sunday, March 9, students of Rajshahi University took to the streets in a massive demonstration, blocking the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway to voice their anger against the increasing number of rape cases in the country. The protest started at noon, with students gathering at the university’s main gate before marching to Paris Road. From there, they made their way onto the highway, halting traffic in a direct call for justice.
The demonstrators, numbering over 500, raised various slogans such as, “Action to do direct action,” “No more tears of my sister,” and “One rapist, one punishment, one death.” They also chanted, “We want justice, no more rapists,” and “Why is the murderer out? We demand an interim answer.”
Salahuddin Ammar, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, expressed frustration over the government’s lack of significant action against rapists. He reminded the authorities that failure to address the ongoing rape cases would not go unnoticed. “If another rape occurs in Rajshahi, the local administration cannot escape responsibility,” he said, urging for the establishment of tribunals to ensure maximum punishment for the perpetrators.
Rifat Hossain, a student from the Department of Social Work, questioned the government’s inaction. “What is happening in the country? Where is the government? Why is there no justice for so many rape cases? We demand exemplary punishment for every rapist. A tribunal should be formed immediately to ensure strict punishment,” he said.
Liberty News’ campus correspondent states that the protest marked a powerful demonstration of student solidarity, with participants demanding that the authorities take immediate and concrete actions to ensure the safety of women and deliver justice for all victims of sexual violence.
LND/BG
