Staff Correspondent :
In protest against the rising incidents of sexual assault on women and children across Bangladesh, an organization named “Youth 24” organized a protest rally with the general students of Narayanganj College.
The rally was held in front of Narayanganj College on Thursday (February 27). The event was chaired by one of the prominent organizers of Youth 24, Moumita Nur, with Abid Rahman serving as the event’s host.
Among the attendees were Youth 24 members from Narayanganj College, including Apurbo Roy, Tahmid Anwar, Israt Jahan Mim, Abdul Ahad, and second-year students from Narayanganj College such as Sheikh Sadi, Shanto, Ripa, Bornali, Mahir, Ibrahim, and others.
In her speech, Moumita Nur, a key organizer of Youth 24, strongly condemned the ongoing incidents of sexual assault on women and children in Narayanganj and other parts of Bangladesh. She mentioned, We witnessed the remarkable role of women in the July uprising, but today, women are living in constant fear and insecurity. This cannot continue.
We must ensure the safety of our mothers and sisters. If the situation does not change, we will launch a larger movement.
She demanded that every educational institution and workplace establish anti-sexual harassment cells. “Our fight will continue until rape is stopped, and rapists are arrested and brought to the fullest extent of the law. We also demand that those who shelter the rapists be exposed to the public, she added.
Moumita concluded by referencing figures like Begum Rokeya and Pritilata Waddedar, who taught the importance of fighting for rights. She stated, If the government fails to ensure our safety, they should resign. We will declare larger programs and form a stronger movement to secure women’s safety.
Youth 24 member Tahmid Anwar remarked, We are living in a Bangladesh where the culture of impunity has reached its peak. People’s safety is compromised. We ask the government’s home advisor: After so many incidents of rape, why are the perpetrators walking free? Why aren’t they being arrested? We also want to know, who are the sponsors of these rapists, and why is the administration taking no action against them?
If the criminals are not brought to justice, we will organize a larger movement for the women of the country, he warned.
