The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) staged a protest procession demanding justice for those involved in incidents of rape and violence committed across the country, including in Narsingdi, and warned of building mass resistance if justice is not delivered.
The protest procession began at 1:45pm on Friday from the central mosque of Dhaka University. Marching across the campus, the procession ended at the Raju Sculpture.
During the program, Ducsu leaders chanted slogans including: “Give women strength, or step down from power”; “Ensure women’s safety, or step down from power”; “Tarique Rahman, end rape”; “In my golden Bengal, there is no place for rapists”; “The whole country is awash in blood, the Prime Minister is doing fine”; and “From Asiya to Nandini, we have not seen justice,” among others.
Addressing a gathering at the Raju Sculpture, Ducsu Vice President Shadik Kayem said that if any more mothers and sisters are attacked, if threats are made to harass them, or if any more rapes occur, they will once again take to the streets and build mass resistance.
He said that after the election, they had hoped the incoming government would not belong to a single party or a particular group but would ensure the rights of all people across parties. However, since taking oath, the government has failed to ensure the safety of citizens’ lives.
He warned that the current government must declare a zero-tolerance policy against “this killer Hasina” and her associates, referring to Sheikh Hasina.
Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad, addressing the prime minister, said that if he wishes to remain in power, he must become serious about taking action against extortionists and rapists. If he does not, and if leaders at every level of his party continue to shelter them, the protest from the Raju Sculpture will spread to the grassroots.
Addressing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, he added that if steps are not taken, campuses across the country will unite and mobilize the student-public to build a mass movement against rape syndicates. He said they do not want to reach that stage and want a beautiful Bangladesh.
Others who spoke at the protest rally included Ducsu AGS Mohiuddin Khan, Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, Health and Environment Secretary Abdullah Al Minhaj, Sports Secretary Arman Hossain, Cafeteria and Common Room Secretary Umme Salma, Social Service Secretary AB Zubayer, Executive Member Raihan Uddin, and Liberation War Affairs Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma.
