Students of 30 colleges protest in Shahbagh over violence against women

Students from 30 colleges staged a demonstration in Shahbagh today, to press their six-point demand including exemplary punishment for the rapists.

Around noon, they moved in front of the National Museum.

Demonstrating students said that considering public suffering during Ramadan, they had withdrawn their previously announced blockade programme at Shahbagh.

Photo: Anisur Rahman/Star

Instead, they would continue their sit-in on the road in front of the museum until the evening.

According to our photojournalist at the scene, students arrived in small processions throughout the morning.

Protesters were seen chanting slogans against sexual violence.

Sit-in by students from 30 colleges in front of the National Museum. Photo: Anisur Rahman/Star.

The six demands are:

•  Ensuring that rapists are punished publicly which will set a strong example in society.
• The administration must adopt a strict 'zero tolerance' policy against rape. If necessary, separate tribunals can be established for the trial of rapists.
• The judicial process must be expedited. In cases of rape, the rapist must be arrested within 24 hours, a medical report must be prepared, and statements from the victim and witnesses must be recorded. Within the next 15 working days, the death penalty for the rapist must be ensured based on proper evidence. Any inconsistency in this process will be unacceptable. To expedite trials, the number of forensic laboratories should be increased.

Photo: Anisur Rahman/Star

•  Arbitration in rape cases must be strictly prohibited. Only the state has the authority to ensure justice. Additionally, if an accused rapist is released due to unlawful assistance from any administrative official, that official must be dismissed from service following an investigation.
•  if the perpetrator is a minor, punishment must be ensured, and in such cases, life imprisonment can be considered.
• Ongoing cases must be resolved swiftly. If necessary, separate tribunals should be formed to conclude trials within 30 working days. The ministries of law and home affairs must be held accountable in this regard.