Leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) Dhaka North metropolitan unit brought out a torch procession Thursday night, demanding justice for recent incidents of rape and murder, including the killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter.
The procession began around 9:15pm from Banglamotor intersection and ended at Shahbagh, with protesters chanting slogans calling for death penalty for rapists and immediate action against offenders.
Addressing the gathering before the march, unit convener Ariful Islam Adeeb said women are no longer safe in schools, neighbourhoods or even their homes. He alleged that while rape cases spark outrage initially, justice is often delayed.
Adeeb further claimed a “structural culture of sexual violence” is emerging in Bangladesh, and urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to act decisively against offenders within his party.
Acting member secretary Sadiya Farzana Dina said rape has become a “social epidemic,” calling for stricter laws to deter crimes and questioning why public outrage fades over time.
Rehana Akter Ruma of Pallabi unit of NCP demanded swift execution of death sentences in rape cases, while Nari Shakti leader Tahmina Sharmin Juthi criticised delays in implementing verdicts.
Joint convener Wahiduzzaman Sumon said taxpayers’ money should not be spent on rapists in prison, while fellow convener Omar Faruk warned of stronger street movements if justice is not ensured.