Dhaka: Students of Bangladesh's prestigious Dhaka University have rallied together and expressed their solidarity over the ongoing protests over the heartbreaking incident of a female medical intern.

Dhaka: Students from the prestigious Dhaka University in Bangladesh rallied together to express their solidarity in the ongoing protest over the heartbreaking rape and murder of a female medical intern at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, India.

Under the banner “Awaaz Tolo Nari” (Raise your voice, women), protesters held placards with messages such as “Hang the rapists”, “Am I next” at the Raju Shilp in Dhaka University on Friday. ?”, “Stop the violence”, and “Don't be an alpha male, questions what this represents”, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

Students from Dhaka raise voice for Kolkata victim

“We are aware of the non-cooperative attitude of the medical college administration regarding the rape case in Upper Bengal. As women, we demand that the administration provide maximum legal assistance, enforce the law strictly and declare the results promptly,” said Rahnuma Ahmad Niret, a student of Physics department at the event.

Anya Fahmeen, a student in the Department of Anthropology, added: “Women around the world face rape and we fully support the ongoing movement for fair accountability in the RG Kar Hospital case in Kolkata. Additionally, we demand a public trial in the Comilla rape and murder case in Bangladesh. The general public has a right to know, especially when the military is involved. The government should ensure a safe country for women through the mass movement of student communities.

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Students of Dhaka University stand in solidarity with Kolkata demanding justice for Moumita Debnath. Ladies echoing “Azadi” from Dhaka to Kolkata are once again ringing the night. We will not rest until justice is served.
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Lamisha Jahan, a student at Jahangirnagar University, said: “In past rape cases, the names of the victims have been made public, while the names of the convicted criminals are often withheld. Sometimes these cases are covered up by the government or the ruling party. The days of complacency are over. We must raise our voice against all forms of humiliation of women.”

“We must create a safe country for women. Students played an important role in the mass uprising and we must force our government to prosecute all rape cases and ensure the safety of women,” said Anika Arefin Anu, a student of finance.

A 31-year-old female trainee doctor was raped in Kolkata

On August 9, a 31-year-old female trainee doctor was raped and murdered at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking protests across India where protesters demanded justice for the victim.

A group of Dhaka University students also held an “Occupy the Night” event in solidarity with the ongoing protests in India, demanding fair investigation and justice in every case of rape since the mass uprising in Bangladesh.

On Friday, students gathered at the foot of the anti-terrorism Raju Smarak sculpture at Dhaka University where teachers and dignitaries expressed support for rape victims around the world.

Earlier, students marched in the campus carrying placards saying “Poshakar Behnai Par Pabena Kono Pisach” and “Prasno Jokhon Sadinotar, Bangla Jure Oyeddedar”.

Anika Arefin, a student at Dhaka University, said: “We have protested many times to demand women's safety, but cultural oppression prevents women from gaining freedom.”

“We often face street harassment, but due to lack of proper evidence we can't do much,” said another student, “In many cases where girls were harassed by influential people like teachers, they did not get justice. “

Aniya Fahmeen, a student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Dhaka, noted that most rape cases in Bangladesh go unreported, and those that do are rarely prosecuted.

She pointed out that many incidents which highlight that the victims do not get justice come to light only through social media. Fahmeen said that the RG car incident has highlighted the current problems in the country and the need for exemplary punishment for the criminals.

(with input from agencies)