Narsingdi: Students of Islamic University (IU) staged a protest march demanding exemplary punishment for recent incidents of rape and violence against women, including the rape and murder of Amena Begum in Narsingdi. The demonstration began on Friday after Jummah prayers from the university’s central mosque, parading through the campus and concluding with a rally at the main entrance.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the students chanted slogans such as “No place for rapists in my Golden Bengal” and “What is the administration doing when my sister is raped?” during the protest. Rahat Abdullah, an IU student, expressed frustration, stating, “It is shameful for the nation that we have to take to the streets to demand justice for a rape that occurred fifteen days ago.” He questioned the political backing of the accused and warned of public backlash.
Zakaria Hossain, Organizing Secretary of IU Chhatra Shibir, criticized the administration and the political climate, drawing parallels between current actions and those during the later years of Hasina’s regime. He highlighted the media’s focus on trivial news over serious crimes like rape and murder, accusing them of sycophancy.
The students’ protest underscores growing public dissatisfaction with how rape and murder cases are handled, demanding accountability and justice for victims like Amena Begum.