A torch procession was held this evening in Dhaka University protesting the ongoing violence, rape, and murder of women across the country, and demanding the resignation of the home adviser. 

After the rally, the protesters, claiming themselves to be members of 'progressive society', called for a mass procession on the same issue.

The procession started at 7:00pm from Shahbagh and went towards the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University, and then to the Shaheed Minar, where they held a brief gathering.

The rally was attended by various political and cultural organisations including the Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Jubo Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Socialist Student Front Women's Forum, Udichi Artists Group, Shahbagh Against Oppression, Charan Cultural Center, and Central Khelaghar, among others.

At the Shaheed Minar gathering, leaders from various organisations expressed their anger over the recent incidents of rape and oppression, demanded justice, and criticised the government's role in all of this.

Photo: STAR

They also expressed anger over the clash between police and protesters during the anti-rape march this afternoon in front of Hotel InterContinental. They called on the government to transfer power through elections if it cannot fulfill its responsibilities. 

Lucky Akter, former president of Chhatra Union and a familiar face of Ganajagaran Mancha, said, "People across the country are demanding that the rapists be brought to justice. The government has miserably failed to protect the lives and properties of the people. The home adviser must take responsibility for his failure and resign immediately."

Announcing the next programme, she said a mass rally will be organised at Shahbagh at 11:00am on March 15 demanding an end to rape and the current law and order situation. 

Mahir Shahriar Reza, the central president of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, said, "We have organised this torch procession against the continuous incidents of murder and rape. Police brutally attacked an anti-rape march under the banner of 'Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression' this afternoon. The character of the interim government has become clear in this incident. This government is instigating mobs on one hand and beating students on the other."

"The Home Adviser must apologise and resign. If the law and order system is not right and the rapists are not prosecuted, we will take more stringent programmes in the coming days," he said.

Calling upon the countrymen, he said, "I urge all to build a mass movement. If necessary, launch a mass movement like in July. If they can't provide security, oust this government like Hasina."