Anti-rape protests continue in city

Activists under different platforms continued their anti-rape protests in the city for the seventh consecutive day on Sunday.

A student organisation submitted a memorandum to the law ministry on the day demanding amendment to the existing law.

Demonstrators under the banner of 'Student Alliance against Sexual Harassment' called for amendment to the existing law so that the government can mete out harsher punishment to rapists.

Before marching toward the ministry, they brought out a procession from city's Shahbagh and organised a rally on the premises of Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus.

Convener of the organisation Shibli Hasan placed their six-point demand at the rally seeking an end to sexual violence against women.

Their demands included capital punishment for rapists, amendment to related law, setting up of a female cell in every police station and introducing hotline service, and implementation of the High Court's order to terminate two-finger test.

A three-member delegation of the alliance comprising convener Shibli Hasan, Dhaka University (DU) campus unit convener Susmita Dey and central committee member Sayeeda Binte Hamid submitted the memorandum.

The alliance also announced fresh programme to press home their demands.

They were scheduled to observe countrywide mass signature programme today (Monday).

Meanwhile, a group of students from different educational institutions took to the streets around Shapla square in the city's Motijheel area on Sunday noon.

Blocking the streets, they were chanting slogans demanding an end to any sort of women repression in the country. Due to their protests, severe traffic congestion was created in the areas.

Students from different educational institutions including Notre Dame College and Motijheel Ideal College took part in the procession.

Several rape incidents which took place in different parts of the country in recent times have drawn massive protests from all walks of life.

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