JU students block Dhaka-Aricha Highway

JU Correspondent
Students of the Jahangirnagar University (JU) blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway on Monday afternoon, expressing resentment over the law-enforcement agencies' failure to arrest the suspect involved in the attempted rape of a female student.
Under the banner of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU), the demonstrators staged a blockade on the highway for about 20 minutes, from 4:40 PM to 5:00 PM, causing severe traffic disruptions on its both sides. The blockade was later withdrawn following a warning of a tougher movement, if the authorities failed to track down the perpetrator immediately.
Earlier, as part of a pre-scheduled programme, the students gathered on the JU Central Shaheed Minar premises at around 3:30 PM. Leaders from various hall unions, along with activists of different organisations, joined the rally in solidarity.
Following the gathering, a protest march paraded through the main roads of the campus and ended at the university's main entrance (Dairy Gate), where the students held a brief rally before blocking the highway.
During the demonstration, the students chanted various fierce slogans, questioning the role of the law-enforcement authorities.
Speaking at the rally, the student leaders slammed the agencies for their alleged inaction and failure to even identify the suspect despite a lapse of more than four days.
JUCSU Vice President (VP) Abdur Rashid Jitu said, "It is highly shameful that 100 hours have passed since the shocking assault on our fellow student, yet the administration and the police have failed to bring the perpetrator to justice. Our movement will continue until the criminal is arrested."