Brac University students on Saturday demanded the formation of a special tribunal for the speedy disposal of rape cases, saying a dedicated judicial mechanism is urgently needed to ensure swift justice.
They made the call during a human chain held in the afternoon at the university’s main gate in Merul Badda, Dhaka, protesting the rape and brutal killing of a seven-year-old girl in Pallabi area of the capital.
The students said such tribunals should be established at both higher and trial court levels, with exclusive jurisdiction over sexual violence cases. They also outlined three key demands during the programme.
The demonstrators called for large-scale government-led awareness campaigns and advertising initiatives to prevent sexual violence. They cited the nationwide campaign against acid attacks during the BNP government in 2007 as a successful example that could be replicated.
They further demanded a fully independent and politically unbiased judiciary, arguing that true judicial independence is essential to ensure strict punishment for offenders and public safety.
Chanting slogans against rapists, the students also stressed that strengthening the justice system would help restore public confidence and security in society.
Police recovered the body of the seven-year-old student from a house in Pallabi on Tuesday morning. The victim was a second-grade student.
Following the incident, police arrested suspect Zakir Hossain, also known as Sohel Rana, from Narayanganj. He later reportedly gave a confessional statement under Section 164 before a court.
