Anti-rape protests spread across country

Students and citizens across the country took to the streets yesterday, demanding urgent action to tackle the worsening law and order situation and the rise in rape, sexual violence, and mugging.

In several areas, demonstrators called for the immediate resignation of the home adviser, holding him responsible for failing to ensure public safety. 

A scuffle broke out between protesters and police near the Secretariat in Dhaka as demonstrators attempted to march forward, demanding the adviser's resignation over his failure to ensure women's safety. The clash occurred around 3:00pm when protesters dismantled police barricades and tried to move past them. Law enforcers pushed them back, forcing the demonstrators to stage a sit-in near Shikkha Bhaban. 

Earlier, protesters had gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner "Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression", demanding urgent reforms to address rising cases of sexual violence. 

Their nine-point demand included immediate and thorough trials for all rape cases, legal reforms to strengthen laws on sexual violence prevention, and a redefinition of rape under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 2000. They insisted that justice be ensured for all survivors, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, race, nationality, disability, or age. 

At Dhaka University, female students held demonstrations on campus in the evening, demanding security for women and the highest punishment for rapists. 

"Why are we told not to go outside after evening? We have to work, go for tuition. Why should we have to fear for our safety?" a student asked during a protest rally in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture. 

Earlier the protesters gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner “Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression”, demanding urgent reforms to address rising cases of sexual violence. PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON, ANISUR RAHMAN

At Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, students demonstrated in front of the main gate on Bailey Road from noon, demanding justice for rape victims. 

"The rapists are getting away, but the police are doing nothing," said Sneha Moni, a first-year HSC student. "If the government does not act, our movement will continue." 

Another protester, who travelled from Narayanganj, said, "My parents are worried whenever I go out. This is the reality for all female students like me. We want to return home safely. The administration must ensure our security." 

At Jahangirnagar University, students blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway, demanding the home adviser's resignation for his failure to curb rising crime. 

Students marched from the Shaheed Minar premises at noon before taking to the highway, disrupting traffic. 

Students of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College also held protests with similar demands in front of their campus on Bailey Road. PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON, ANISUR RAHMAN

"We can see that law and order has completely collapsed. Those who participated in the July revolution are being attacked," said Arifuzzaman Ujjal, a student of the 47th batch. 

In Barishal, students from various schools and colleges staged demonstrations, held rallies, and blocked roads in protest against the surge in sexual violence, reports our local correspondent. 

In Patuakhali's Bauphal upazila, students of Bauphal Government College waved red cards, denouncing rising crimes such as robbery, extortion, and murder, and demanding the home adviser's resignation. 

Meanwhile, students in Thakurgaon staged a demonstration and blocked roads in the town with similar demands. 

Protesters across the country warned that if authorities fail to take action, their movement will intensify in the coming days.