Bangladesh Erupts with Student Protests Against Magura Rape Incident
Dhaka Tribune reports that protesters demand death penalty for individuals accused in the rape of an 8-year-old child.
Outraged by the brutal assault of an eight-year-old girl in Magura, citizens across Bangladesh took to the streets on 9 March, Sunday, demanding justice and stricter measures to curb violence against women and children, according to local media.
Dhaka Tribune reports that students of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia organised a protest by blocking the highway, demanding death penalty for individuals accused in the rape of an 8-year-old child in Magura, and demanding the assurance of women's safety in public spaces.
The protest occurred on Sunday around 12:15 p.m., when students blocked the Khulna-Kushtia highway in close proximity to the university's main gate.
Prior to this, the students participated in a protest rally that commenced at 12 p.m. from the university's Botatola area. The protesters issued a warning of more intense demonstrations if the rapists were not sentenced to the highest punishment. The rally circled through various campus roads before gathering at the main gate.
Sadia Mahmood Mim, co-coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said: "The rape of a 8-year-old child in Magura is a shameful incident for our society. We demand exemplary punishment for these rapists so that no one dares to commit rape in the future."
Meanwhile, coordinator SM Sweet said: "The rape of a 8-year-old child has sparked protests across Bangladesh today. Students from various campuses have risen in protest. We demand the execution of these monsters. If the rapists had been properly punished, no rapes would have happened. If the current government does not take appropriate action against rape and other injustices, students will be forced to take to the streets. We want to see the public execution of the rapists."
Quoting news agency IANS, other news reports say the horrifying incident has sparked widespread protests in various parts of the country too, with students and civil society groups raising their voices in anger. According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday when the young victim was raped at her sister's house in Magura. The child, who sustained critical injuries, was initially treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to CMH Hospital for advanced care, reports the leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star.
The protests reflect growing frustration among citizens who are demanding immediate reforms to improve safety for women and children, along with stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such crimes in the future.
