RU students block highway demanding swift justice for rape cases, DNA sampling machines
The protesting students said they are alarmed by the ongoing violence and oppression against women across the country
Students of Rajshahi University blocked the Rajshahi-Dhaka Highway today (10 March) for nearly an hour demanding the completion of trials of rape cases within 30 days and the installation of DNA sampling collection machines in divisional cities.
At around 12:15pm, several hundred students gathered in front of the main gate of Rajshahi University and blocked the highway.
The students lifted the blockade and called off their protest around 1:00pm.
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During the protest, students chanted various slogans against rapists and the rising sexual violence against women in the country.
The protesting students said they are alarmed by the ongoing violence and oppression against women across the country.
They say the interim government must take responsibility and ensure the swift execution of the death penalty for rapists.
Rajshahi University student Salahuddin Ammar said, "Tomorrow, everyone will participate in a protest demanding the maximum punishment for rapists by covering their eyes and faces with black cloth."
He further emphasised that the elite class individuals involved in rape should also be brought to justice.
"It's not just about Achhiya [the 8-year-old girl who was raped in Magura] – special tribunals must be formed to execute the death penalty for all rapists, including those involved in the rape of Tanu, Khadija, and others cases," he said.
Earlier, students from various educational institutions in Rajshahi blocked the highway demanding the maximum punishment for rapists.
Around 11:15am, they staged the blockade in the Talaimari area of the city, causing traffic congestion on both sides of the road.
Later, around 12pm, they joined the student protest with the students of Rajshahi University with a rally.
