A group of female students organiSed a rally and torch procession today, protesting ongoing violence, harassment, and rape against women. They also put forth 13 demands, including ensuring women's safety and expediting the trial process for all cases of violence against women.
The rally took place on Tuesday in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University. After the rally, the participants marched around the Vice-Chancellor's Office and concluded the event back at Raju Sculpture.
Nuzia Hasin Rasha, president of the Dhaka University unit of Biplabi Chhatra Moitri, spoke at the event, stating, "We talk about democracy, but is democracy ever possible without women? We see female coordinators being bullied in various ways, yet no male coordinators are standing by their side."
She further added, "Women in power do not guarantee women's empowerment. During Hasina's tenure, Tonu was raped, but justice was not served for her case. This is because of the deeply rooted patriarchal structure. A new government came into power through a mass student uprising, yet violence against women continues."
Rasha called on all women to unite and organize for their rights.
Ruposhi Chakma, a member of the Hill Tracks Women's Federation, said, "Since Sheikh Hasina's fall, there have been three reported rape incidents in the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. However, many incidents remain unnoticed."
She highlighted that in a patriarchal society, women are viewed as inferior and always victimized. "Ensuring women's rights is key to restoring a just environment in the country," she said.