Dhaka University students protest against rape, abuse cases

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has staged protests across the country against rape and abuse, including the alleged gang rape and murder of a girl in Narsingdi.

The procession began after Friday prayers from the university’s central mosque, passed through the vice-chancellor’s premises and concluded at the Raju Sculpture.

Following the march, DUCSU leaders held a brief rally at the foot of the Raju Sculpture.

DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem said, “If any more mothers and sisters are attacked, if any more are threatened with harassment, if more rapes occur and justice is not served, then we will take to the streets again and build mass resistance.”

He said that after the election, there had been hope that the incoming government would not represent only one party or class, but would safeguard the rights of all people.

“But we have seen that 12 to 13 days have passed since this government took oath, and in these 13 days they have not been able to ensure the security of citizens’ lives,” he said.

“We are warning that the current government must declare a zero tolerance policy against this murderer Hasina and her cronies.”

DUCSU General Secretary SM Farhad addressed the head of government, saying: “If you want to stay in power, run it properly. Get serious now against these extortionists and rapists.”

He added that if the government fails to address allegations that leaders at various levels of its party structure -- from Chhatra Dal to local BNP units -- are sheltering extortionists and rapists, the protests will spread beyond the campus.

“If this continues, the protest that is now in the public mind, the protest that began from the Raju Sculpture, will reach the grassroots level,” he said.