Protests at DU, JnU over rape, murder of 15 year old in Narsingdi

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUcsu) today staged separate protests on their respective campuses, demanding exemplary punishment for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Narsingdi, as well as justice for victims of rape and violence across the country.

At Dhaka University (DU), a protest march began at 1:45 pm from the university’s central mosque and paraded through the campus before ending at the Raju Sculpture, where a rally was held.

Addressing the rally, Ducsu Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem said, “If any more attacks are carried out on our mothers and sisters, if they are threatened or harassed, and if rapes occur without justice being ensured afterwards, we will once again take to the streets and build mass resistance.”

He added, “It has been 12 to 13 days since this government took oath, and in these days, it has failed to ensure the safety of citizens of this country.”

Addressing the prime minister, Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad said, “If you want to stay in power and run the country properly, you must become serious now against extortionists and rapists.”

He also warned that if no action is taken, they would be forced to unite all campuses and mobilise students and people to build a mass movement.

At Jagannath University (JnU), a procession began from the university’s central mosque and marched through Ray Saheb Bazar intersection before concluding with a brief rally at Bishwajit Chattar.

Speaking at the rally, Shamsul Alam Maruf, general secretary of the Socialist Students’ Front, alleged that law enforcement agencies were obstructing democratic movements but failing to ensure justice in rape cases.

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JnUcsu member and Inqilab Moncho leader Shanta Akter described the incident as a reflection of longstanding impunity. “Every citizen has the right to justice regardless of political identity. We demand proper investigation and justice for this murder,” she said.

JnUcsu General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif said a rapist has no political identity. “The administration must act against those responsible. We also call on society to build resistance against such crimes.”

JnUcsu Vice-President Md Riazul Islam said incidents of rape and killing in different parts of the country were creating fear and insecurity.

“If justice continues to be denied, people will once again be forced to take to the streets,” he added.