Jahangirnagar University students hold torch march to protest rape, oppression

A group of students from Jahangirnagar University have held a torch march to protest the ongoing issues of rape, abuse, and insecurity across Bangladesh.

The march, organised under the banner “Jahangirnagar against oppression”, began at 7:30pm on Monday from the university’s central Shaheed Minar.

The procession moved through the female students' residential halls and ended with a rally at the Bot Tola area.

The event was led by Sajib Ahmed, an organiser of the university branch of the Socialist Students' Front.

Manisha Haque, a student from the 48th batch of the Department of Bangla, said: "The emotions that drove us to participate in the July uprising have not materialised. Today, we are not safe anywhere, be it at home or on the streets.

“If the administration does not act now, we will bring down this government the same way we brought down Sheikh Hasina. Ensure our safety, or step down."

Amartya Roy, president of a faction of the university’s Student Union, said: “Since the 5th of August, we have seen the workers' movement being labelled as allies of the Awami League.

When rape, murder, and robbery have surged across the country, the home advisor claims these acts are being carried out by Awami League allies.

If this is the case, why has no action been taken? Over the past seven months, this government has done nothing to control law and order.”

He added, “We had demanded safety for our sisters in buses and trains, but that safety is nowhere to be found.

“The pledge we made on the 5th of August to remove the autocrat Hasina is now being renewed against this Yunus government.”

Imran Shuvo, an anthropology student from the 49th batch, said: "We can see the condition of law and order in our country every day in the news and on social media.

“We do not want this anarchy; we want to live peacefully and normally. We demand the security of our lives."

“Our lives and property are entrusted to the state. If the government cannot ensure our safety, then there is no reason for us to remain loyal to it.”