Students of Dhaka Medical College (DMC) staged a protest rally demanding justice and death penalty for rapists as incidents of sexual violence continue across the country.
The protest took place on Sunday at the base of the Raju Sculpture in Dhaka University (DU).
Many female students from DMC tied red cloth over their mouths as a sign of anger and defiance.
DMC professor Abdul Wahab said: "Those who commit rape and those who protect them must be brought under the law. In the past, under the ruling party’s shelter, rapists have set records. Political leaders and those in power helped them escape the country. Women were stripped and filmed just because they didn’t vote for them, and those videos were spread nationwide. This has to stop. Political parties need to take responsibility and educate their members. Rapists must face exemplary punishment."
One protesting student questioned: "Why does justice for rape victims only begin when we protest? We handed over power to the interim government—they're not a political party. So why are they failing to punish rapists? We stand with every survivor, and we’ll keep coming to the streets until justice is served."
Before gathering at the Raju Sculpture, DMC students started their protest march from Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Several teachers also joined in solidarity.
