Students of Dhaka University staged a protest on Friday in solidarity with ongoing demonstrations in India, following the brutal rape and murder of a woman trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
The incident, which occurred on August 9, has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for swift justice echoing across both nations.
The protest at Dhaka University, organised under the banner "Awaaz Tolo Nari" (Raise Your Voice, Women), took place at the Raju Sculpture, a symbol of student activism in Bangladesh.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that the students demanded stringent legal action against the perpetrators and criticized the alleged non-cooperation of the medical college administration in Kolkata.
Rahnuma Ahmed Niret, a student from the Department of Physics, voiced her concerns, stating, "We are deeply troubled by the administration's indifferent attitude towards the rape case in Upper Bengal. As women, we demand that the authorities provide maximum legal assistance, strictly enforce the law, and announce the verdict without delay."
Niret's sentiments reflect the growing frustration among students who feel that justice is often delayed or denied in cases of sexual violence.
Anya Fahmin, a student of Anthropology, emphasized the global nature of the issue, declaring, "Women worldwide face the threat of rape, and we stand in full support of the movement for accountability in the R G Kar Hospital case. We also call for a public trial in the case of Sohagi Jahan Tonu in Comilla, where the involvement of the army has raised serious concerns. The government must ensure a safe country for women through the collective voice of student communities."
The protest also highlighted the ongoing struggle for justice in Bangladesh, where many rape cases go unreported or are dismissed due to political pressure or societal stigma. Lamisha Jahan, a student from Jahangirnagar University, criticized the practice of publicizing the names of rape victims while shielding the identities of the perpetrators.
"The days of complacency are over," she declared. "We must raise our voices against all forms of humiliation towards women and demand accountability."
Anika Arefin Anu, a student from the Department of Finance, echoed these sentiments, urging students to continue their activism until all rape cases are prosecuted and women's safety is ensured.
"The students have historically played a crucial role in mass uprisings, and it is now our duty to force the government to act decisively," Anu said.
The protest was part of a broader movement that has seen students across Bangladesh take to the streets to demand justice for rape victims.
On Friday night, a group of students also observed the “Occupy the Night” programme at Dhaka University, a demonstration inspired by similar protests in India.
The event saw students, teachers, and activists gather at the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture to express solidarity with rape victims and call for a fair investigation into all cases of sexual violence.
Earlier in the evening, students marched across the campus with placards bearing slogans such as “Poshaker Bahanay Par Pabena Kono Pisach” (No demon shall escape in the guise of protectors) and “Proshno Jokhon Sadhinotar, Bangla Jure Oyaddedar” (When independence is questioned, Bangladesh stands united).
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