Female students in Dhaka gathered for a protest rally on Tuesday evening at the Raju Sculpture, condemning ongoing repression, torture, and sexual violence against women.
They called for a swift trial of rape cases and a comprehensive response to gender-based violence, culminating in a torch march around the area.
From the rally, the students announced a 13-point demand aimed at addressing these critical issues. They called for thorough investigation and prosecution of all rape and murder cases, notably the recent incidents involving a nine-year-old girl in Banani and a teenage girl in Bandarban, as well as previous cases like those of Tonu and Munia.
The group demanded that the state cover medical expenses for rape victims and that law enforcement be prohibited from pressuring or trivializing the resolution of rape and harassment cases.
They also urged that all cases of women and child repression be settled within 180 days and called for the repeal of Section 155(4) of the Evidence Act, 1872.
Additionally, the students advocated for equal property rights for all genders, regardless of religion, tribe, or caste, and the implementation of a Uniform Family Code.
They sought amendments to guardianship laws to allow women equal rights and the establishment of anti-sexual harassment committees in all educational institutions and workplaces, with student representation.
The protesters demanded the repeal of laws restricting abortion rights and the granting of full autonomy to women over their reproductive choices.
They called for the recognition of diverse gender identities on national identity cards, the repeal of all gender-discriminatory laws, and the creation of a special unit for prompt responses to cases of women's repression and rape.
Ruposhi Chakma, a member of the Hill Womens Federation, addressed the crowd, highlighting the increase in rape incidents in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and expressing concern over women's safety in public spaces.
She said: “Women are seen as inferior in our patriarchal society, and we must ensure women’s rights to create a fair environment.”
Nuzia Hasin Rasha, president of the Biplobi Chhatra Maitree Dhaka University unit, emphasized the importance of women in democracy, criticizing the systemic bullying of female coordinators in movements.
She said: “Tonu was raped during Hasina's tenure, and no cases were prosecuted due to the prevailing patriarchal structure.”
Rasha urged the government to provide medical treatment for victims, referencing the case of a rickshaw puller's daughter in Banani, and called for all women to unite for their rights.
