Dhaka University students march against sexual violence against women in Bangladesh

Students of Dhaka University have staged march carrying sticks in protest against the continued incidents of sexual violence, including the recent rape of a child in Magura.

The march began at 3pm on Sunday from the Raju Memorial Sculpture and moved through the VC Chattar, Nilkhet, Katabon, and Shahbagh before returning to the starting point.

Held under the banner of “Bangladesh Against Rape and Violence”, the procession was organised to press for nine demands.

Students shouted slogans against sexual violence while carrying bamboo sticks.

Among their demands are the resignation of the home advisor, and effective measures to curb “rising” incidents of rape, women repression, robbery, mugging, and other crimes.

They also called for immediate justice for all rape and harassment incidents occurring across the country, including both the plains and the hills.

In addition, the protesting students demanded the formation of a separate tribunal for the trial of rape cases if necessary, amendments to laws on sexual violence and harassment based on stakeholders' input, and institutional reforms to prevent sexual harassment.

The protesters also voiced the need to resolve the complexities in police stations regarding the filing of rape cases.

They called for reviewing a law to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

Students also demanded the establishment of anti-sexual harassment cells in educational institutions.