Dhaka [Bangladesh], March 10 : Zarin Rafiza, a student from the Women and Gender Studies Department at Dhaka University, participated in a protest against the alarming rise in rape and violence against women in Bangladesh. This included the recent heartbreaking case of an 8-year-old girl who is currently battling for her life after being brutally raped in the western Magura district.
“We want to see action against rape and violence against women right now,” Rafiza said, reflecting the demands of hundreds of students across Bangladesh who have joined protests, boycotting classes and exams in their fight for justice.
The condition of the 8-year-old girl, who is receiving treatment at an army hospital in Dhaka, remains critical. The incident has caused widespread outrage across the country, with many women activists calling for the immediate execution of the rapists. Protesters have been heard chanting, “We want justice,” as they demand urgent action.
Rafiza spoke to ANI while standing in front of the iconic Oporajeyo Bangla sculpture at Dhaka University. “We are protesting here today against the ongoing violence happening throughout the country, especially against women,” she explained.
The protest coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day, a month dedicated to addressing the systemic violence that has long affected women in Bangladesh. Rafiza stressed that while previous political issues such as those surrounding August 5th, 2024, are important, the current focus must remain on combating violence against women.
In August 2024, a massive student-led movement led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following weeks of protests and violence that reportedly resulted in up to 1,400 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was established.
“We have been silent for a long time. But now we have not seen any real steps from the government to address or end the violence,” Rafiza said. “We no longer believe in just words. We want immediate action. We demand justice from this moment onwards. We need change now because justice has been delayed for too long,” she added.
In response to the nationwide protests, the interim government has pledged to speed up the investigation process and ensure that those accused of sexual violence do not receive bail simply due to delays in the trial process. Asif Nazrul, the law adviser to the interim government, stated, “The accused cannot be granted bail on the pretext of not completing the trial within 90 days.”
There is a growing concern among women across Bangladesh that incidents of rape and violence have significantly increased since the political transition in August 2024. Rafiza emphasized the need for legal reforms and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes toward women.
“We need legal reforms. We need a change in the mindset of society. We live in a patriarchal system where institutions, laws, and even religion are often manipulated to normalize and perpetuate violence against women,” Rafiza said. She called for reform in every sector of society to address this issue effectively.
Additionally, Rafiza and fellow protesters have recommended changes in the legal definition of rape. They are also calling for religious leaders to stop using their platforms to justify or perpetuate violence against women. “Religion should not be used as a tool to normalize or perpetuate violence against women,” she stated.
The protests reflect the growing frustration in Bangladesh, with women demanding not just words, but concrete actions and reforms to put an end to the increasing violence and ensure justice for victims.