Dhaka University students, led by female activists, took to the streets in a midnight torch rally on Saturday (March 8), demanding public execution for rapists. The protest began at 7:30 PM in front of Rokeya Hall and circled the Vice-Chancellor’s office before returning to its starting point. The demonstrators, holding torches and chanting slogans, called for the immediate execution of convicted rapists and justice for victims of sexual violence in recent years.

The protesters voiced their anger with slogans such as “Burn the rapists’ thrones,” “We want justice, hang the rapists,” and “Spread the word across Bengal, bury the rapists.” They also observed a minute of silence in memory of a child rape victim in Magura, highlighting the urgency of their demands.

During the rally, a student leader asked, “Do we want to see rapists walking free?” to which the crowd responded with a resounding “No.” The demonstrators emphasized that rapists must face the harshest penalties to deter future crimes.

Adiba Saima Khan, one of the protesting students, stated, “We are demanding permanent punishment for rapists. If we cannot step outside safely, what is the state offering us? It is the government’s responsibility to ensure our safety, improve law and order, and deliver punishments so severe that no one dares to commit such crimes again.”

Farzana Akter Arju, another participant, expressed frustration over the recent case of a child rape involving two men and a woman. She said, “We demand public execution for all the perpetrators, including the female accomplice. If rape is proven, the only punishment should be public hanging. We are tired of seeing arrests without justice. We will not rest until justice is served.”

Arju also urged the administration to address past cases of sexual violence, stating, “We want to warn the authorities. All rape cases from previous years must be prosecuted. If the government carries out even one public execution, it will set a precedent.”

The rally, organized in response to the alarming rise in sexual violence, particularly against women and children, aimed to pressure the government to take stricter measures. The students demanded an end to impunity and called for systemic changes to ensure justice for victims.

The protest at Dhaka University reflects growing public outrage over the failure to address sexual violence effectively. The demonstrators vowed to continue their movement until their demands for justice and stricter punishments are met. Their rallying cry for public executions underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable citizens.