Different organisations, including the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), expressed profound outrage on Friday over the recent surge of rape, murder, and violence against women in Narsingdi and other parts of the country.
Ducsu organised a protest march and rally after Friday prayers, beginning from the central mosque of Dhaka University.
Around 20 to 25 participants, carrying banners and placards, marched around the campus and ended at Raju Sculpture area.
They warned that failure to ensure speedy trials could lead to the formation of a “people’s resistance.”
Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Give power to women or relinquish your post,” “Ensure women’s safety or step down,” and “No place for rapists in my Golden Bengal.”
Addressing the rally, Ducsu Vice President Sadiq Kayem warned, “If any harm comes to our mothers or sisters, if threats or assaults occur, or if a rape happens and justice is denied, we will take to the streets again and build a people’s resistance.”
He criticised the government for failing to ensure citizens’ safety in the 12 to 13 days since taking office, calling for a zero-tolerance policy against perpetrators and political enablers.
Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad addressed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, calling for immediate action against extortionists and rapists.
He warned that if party leaders shelter criminals, protests from the Raju Sculpture could spread to grassroots levels, and Ducsu, with allied campus bodies, may be forced to launch a nationwide mass movement.
“We do not wish to reach that stage; we want a safe and just Bangladesh,” he said.
Ducsu leaders AGS Mohiuddin Khan, Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, Health and Environment Secretary Abdullah Al Minhaz, Sports Secretary Arman Hossain, Cafeteria and Common Room Secretary Umme Salma, Social Services Secretary AB Zubair, Executive Member Rayhan Uddin, and Liberation War Secretary Fatima Tasnim Juma, also addressed the rally.
Meanwhile, the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) condemned the murder of a 15-year-old girl in Narsingdi. According to reports, the teenager had been raped 15 days earlier by a group led by a local criminal.
The family had sought justice through a former Union Parishad member but received no legal redress and were allegedly pressured to leave the area. The girl was forcibly taken from her father and later found dead the following morning.
In a separate case in West Ulan, Dhaka, the body of a six-year-old girl was recovered from stagnant water in the lift shaft of an under-construction building. Locals alleged the child had been sexually assaulted before being killed and left at the site.
Initial police response was delayed until residents staged a protest, prompting authorities to register a case late at night.
According to Ain o Salish Kendra, 35 children were subjected to various forms of abuse last month, while 25 were murdered. On average, nearly one child per day becomes a victim of violence or abuse.
MJF condemned the brutality against women and children, urging the newly elected government to fulfil its electoral promises, provide justice for victims, and ensure protection for women and children.
The foundation stressed that exemplary punishment of perpetrators is crucial to deter future crimes and uphold women’s dignity.
MJF further called for immediate security for the families of victims and emphasised that now is the time to speak out against injustice.
