Dhaka: Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) of Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit today protested the recent rape incidents and demanded exemplary punishment for the rapists. The leaders and activists of the unit formed a human chain at the central Shaheed Minar premises of the university around 3:30pm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tanzila Hossain Boishakhi, a member of JU Chhatra Dal, addressed the human chain, raising concerns about over 20 rape incidents and at least 10 child-related incidents reported since March 8. She questioned how such occurrences can be addressed and when the visible implementations of laws will be seen.
Jahir Uddin Babor, convener of JU Chhatra Dal, highlighted the crucial role women played during the July uprising but lamented that they are now subject to abuse, bullying, rape, and harassment nationwide. He attributed this to a culture of impunity that has persisted since the removal of a fascist regime, emboldening culprits to commit such offenses. Babor urged the interim government to prosecute the culprits with exemplary punishment without any delay.
The programme was conducted by Wasim Ahmed Anik, the member secretary of JU Chhatra Dal. Meanwhile, another group of JU students under the banner of the "Students' Union of Public Administration" also formed a human chain around 1:15pm at the Amar Ekushey sculpture premises, protesting repression against women and recent rape incidents.