Dhaka: Nationwide street agitation continued today in protest against the recent incidents of sexual assaults on women and children in different parts of the country. Rights groups raised their voice after the brutal assault on an eight-year-old baby girl in Magura on Thursday last while reports of sexual assaults against women in recent days visibly enraged people prompting them to demonstrate on the streets.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, staged a human chain in front of Feni Government College, demanding exemplary punishment of the culprits. They called for capital punishment in line with the law if the allegations were proved. The protest in Feni was addressed by Chhatra Dal district unit leaders Kazi Nazrul Islam Dulal, Jaker Hossain Riad, Saiful Islam Jiku, Ziauddin, Zillur Rahman, Gias Uddin Swapan, Jahedul Abedin Sagar, and Saiful Islam Babul.
In Jhenaidah, Chhatra Dal arranged a human chain in front of Jhenaidah College, drawing a significant crowd. Participants demanded stern action from the government to eliminate the crime. Chhatra Dal leaders Mushfiqur Rahman Manik, Shahriar Russel, and Sakib Hossain were among the speakers.
Chhatra Dal KC College unit staged a human chain at Payra Chhattar. Chhatra Dal district unit president Saminuzzaman Samin and vice president Imran Hossain participated in the event.
In Savar, students and local residents organized protest rallies and sit-in programs demanding the highest punishments for the culprits. Chhatra Dal, Savar University College, arranged a street march from Shaheed Maruf Chattar to the university, with Chhatra Dal district unit president Tamij Uddin present.
The National Citizen Party also arranged a protest march in front of Savar Press Club, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in crimes like rape.
In Jashore, Mahila Dal district unit organized a human chain in front of Jashore Press Club. BNP district unit general secretary Delowar Hossain Khokan, district Mohila Dal president Rashida Rahman, and other leaders joined the protest.
In Bagerhat, Chhatra Dal Kachua upazila unit and Kachua Degree College unit jointly organized a human chain program.
Students of Rajshahi University arranged a protest rally in front of the main gate of the university, demanding steps to ensure the security of women and children. They demanded the immediate arrest of the criminals who endangered the lives and movement of women and children.