Bangladesh Chhatra Federation on Friday held a torchlight procession at the University of Dhaka (DU), protesting the “culture of impunity” and the rising incidents of torture, rape, and killings across the country.
Organised jointly by the DU and Dhaka City units of the organisation, the event began with a rally at the foot of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture on Friday evening, 22 May 2026.
Presided over by Al-Amin Rahman, Convenor of the Dhaka City unit, and conducted by Arka Barua, Organising Secretary of the DU unit, the rally featured several speakers, including Central General Secretary Saikat Arif and DU unit General Secretary Sakibur Rahman Rony.
Addressing the rally, Saikat Arif criticised the Home Minister’s failure to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
He also condemned a recent statement by the Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami regarding the minister’s remarks on Sharia law.
“As a democratic state in the 21st century, Bangladesh requires a transparent and reliable justice system,” Arif stated.
He warned that the organisation would not tolerate attempts to implement “medieval laws” by exploiting public anger over the lack of justice for rape.
Statistical evidence of judicial failure
Dhaka City Convenor Al-Amin Rahman highlighted the “bankrupt” state of the judiciary, noting that trial proceedings have been completed in only 3 per cent of filed rape cases.
Moreover, he claimed that in 70 per cent of those cases, the accused were released on bail.
Rahman also cited a recent incident where a DU library staff member, arrested for harassing a woman, was allegedly freed by “extremists under the guise of religion” and greeted with flowers and the Holy Quran. “This culture of impunity emboldens rapists,” he added.
During the event, a recorded message from the father of Ramisa – a child who was murdered after being raped – was played.
In the recording, the grieving father expressed his total loss of faith in the system, stating: “I do not want justice; you have no record of providing justice”.
Speakers noted that such a statement from a bereaved father proves the state is failing to protect its citizens while providing security to criminals.
Pending cases and safety concerns
Arka Barua, Organising Secretary of the DU unit, recalled several unresolved cases of violence. He mentioned that the case of child Achia, who was murdered after rape a year ago, remains pending in the Appellate Division.
Barua also highlighted the murder of Rita Majumder, mother of DU student Prarthna Majumder, and the killing of Madrasa student Abdullah.
“From children to adults, no one is safe today. The culture of impunity is birthing new crimes as offenders continue to get away,” Barua remarked.
The speakers demanded immediate and exemplary punishment for those involved in the killing of child Ramisa and all other victims of rape and murder.
Following the rally, the torchlight procession marched through various key roads and points of the university campus.
Other speakers at the rally included DU unit Vice President Sima Akter, Joint General Secretary Hridia Afroz Raka, Dhaka City Member Secretary Tuhin Faraji, and Executive Member Yasir Khan.
