Zakir Hossain / Dhaka
Bangladesh is witnessing massive student protests following the brutal rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura, with demonstrators demanding justice, legal reforms, and stricter punishment for rapists.
Protests erupted from Dhaka University (DU) to Rajshahi, Jahangirnagar, and Khulna, with students chanting “Death to rapists” and criticizing the interim government’s failure to ensure women’s safety. The High Court has ordered a special tribunal to conclude the Magura rape trial within 180 days, as demonstrations grow nationwide.
At DU, protests began at midnight on Sunday, led by students from Poet Sufia Kamal Hall and Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall. By morning, faculty members, including Professor Geeti Ara Nasreen and Dr. Samina Luthfa, joined the rally at Aparajeyo Bangla, condemning the rise in sexual violence. Female students from Rokeya Hall held a torch rally, demanding public executions for rapists.
Umama Fatema, spokesperson for Students Against Discrimination, announced the formation of an “Anti-Rape Platform”, calling for a special tribunal for rape cases and the immediate execution of the Magura rapists. She warned that if justice was not ensured within 24 hours, the interim government home adviser must resign.
Law adviser Asif Nazrul, responding to public outrage, declared that rape case investigations must be completed within 15 days and trials within 90 days. He confirmed that all Magura suspects have been arrested and will face the maximum punishment. The High Court ordered police to conclude the investigation in 30 days and the trial in 180 days.
Nationwide Protests Intensify: Rajshahi University: Hundreds of students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway, demanding stricter anti-rape laws. Student Samarita Nag said: “Women are not even safe in their own homes. The interim government must protect women’s dignity.” Jahangirnagar University: Students blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the arrest of the Magura rapists. Khulna University: Students staged a 3:00am protest, warning of larger demonstrations if justice is delayed. Other institutions, including North South University, Independent University Bangladesh, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Comilla Victoria Government College, held rallies against sexual violence.