Protests erupt in Khagrachhari over gang rape of schoolgirl; blockade called for tomorrow
The victim's father said his daughter, an eighth grader, went missing on her way back from private tuition on the night of 23 September and after a search by family members and locals, she was found unconscious in a field at around 11pm.
Protests and a rally were held in Khagrachhari today (26 September) demanding justice for the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl, with demonstrators announcing a dawn-to-dusk road blockade in the district for tomorrow (27 September).
Under the banner of Jumma Chhatra-Janata, thousands of students and locals joined the protests. A march began at the Khagrachhari Government College ground and moved through Chengi Square, Mahajanpara, Narikelbagan, Shapla Chattar, and Adalat Road before ending at Chengi Square, where a rally was held.
Speakers at the rally accused the law enforcement of negligence, saying the failure to swiftly arrest the accused had emboldened perpetrators.
"Women, regardless of age, are not safe anywhere. This situation exists because of impunity. The police have failed to arrest two of the accused even three days after the incident," said a leader of the Jumma Chhatra-Janata platform.
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"The large number of people present at today's rally proves that people do not want to see any more rapes in the hill tracts," another speaker said.
The victim's father told Prothom Alo that his daughter, an eighth grader, went missing on her way back from private tuition on the night of 23 September. After a search by family members and locals, she was found unconscious in a field at around 11pm and later admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment.
Students under the banner of Jumma Chhatra-Janata held a half-day road blockade yesterday to protest the incident.
Police said one accused has been arrested over the incident and placed on a five-day remand following a court order, while efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
Another alleged gang rape took place in Khagrachhari Sadar on 27 June. Despite a case being filed, two of the named suspects are still at large.
Tensions escalated further when protest spokesperson Ukyanu Marma alleged he was picked up and beaten by security forces last night (25 September), before being released following public resistance.
Announcing today's road blockade, Ukyanu Marma said the programme would be suspended after tomorrow in light of the upcoming Durga Puja.
"But if the remaining accused are not arrested, we will launch a continuous strike," he warned.
