Sapahar Correspondent :
A large-scale protest procession and human chain were organised in Sapahar on Wednesday to demand stringent action against violence, including rape, oppression, and murder of women. The event, which began at 10 AM, saw active participation from all sectors of the community, standing in solidarity against the growing violence across the country.
The procession, initiated by the local residents, started from the Pilot High School grounds. It wound through the main roads of the upazila, culminating in a human chain at Zero Point. The event was moderated by Mohammad Sajur, who also led the call for stronger measures to address the rising violence against women.
Prominent speakers at the human chain included writer and thinker Mahfuz Faruk, Md. Nabil Hossain of Good Work Foundation, teacher Md. Delwar Hossain, and student representative Md. Rifat Hossain, among others. They all voiced their concerns about the alarming rate of rape, torture, theft, robbery, and kidnapping occurring across the nation.
The speakers emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to combat these crimes. They called for the swift and transparent trial of all cases of rape and oppression that have occurred, both in rural and urban areas, including the mountains and plains. One of the key demands was the establishment of a separate tribunal to handle rape cases, ensuring timely justice.
Additionally, the speakers urged the government to re-evaluate and implement the Witness Protection Act of 2011, ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses involved in such cases. They also demanded that the perpetrators of violence against women and children be punished to the fullest extent of the law, in an exemplary manner, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The protest march and human chain saw a diverse crowd, including students, teachers, social workers, and professionals, all united in their call for justice and protection for women and children. The event ended with the collective demand for immediate action to put an end to the increasing violence and to ensure a safer society for everyone.
