Trial of killers demanded
At a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, they demanded that the trial process must be free from undue pressure by vested quarters.
According to family sources, Papia, also a worker of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), was killed at her father-in-law's house in Barisal on November 3 when she went there from Dhaka with her husband and a nine-year-old daughter to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Speaking at the press conference, Mahbuba Haque Kumkum, elder sister of Papia, said despite repeated torture by her husband Mahbub Morshed Tuhin since her wedding, Papia could not divorce him due to social bindings.
"Though marks of injury in Papia's body were found during the autopsy on November 8, the post-mortem report was not issued so far," Kumkum alleged.
"The real killer has been absconding with the help of a local influential quarter and giving threats to Papia's family continuously," said Shahnaz Sumi, a member of the protirodh committee while reading out a written statement at the press conference.
"As a rights activist, Papia was always vocal against repression on women, but unfortunately she had to die being a victim of repression," said Ayesha Khanom, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
She demanded of the government for speedy disposal of the Papia's case under Speedy Trial Tribunal.
Ayesha Khanom also called for safe custody of Papia's daughter now living in an adverse situation at her father's house.
Samajik Protirodh Committee leaders Faozia Khandaker, Momtaz Begum, Rehana Begum and Kalpana Roy were present at the press conference.