Viqarunnisa students demand justice for rape victims

Students of Viqarunnisa Noon School & College staged a protest at the institution's main gate on Bailey Road in Dhaka this afternoon, demanding justice for rape victims.

During the protest, students chanted slogans -- "My sister is in the grave, then why are the rapists outside?", "We will take off the rapists' skins", "There is no place for rapists in our Bangla", and "My sister's safety must be ensured."

Speaking to The Daily Star, Sneha Moni, a first-year higher secondary student, expressed frustration over the lack of action against rapists. "The rapists are walking free, but the police are doing nothing. The government is not taking any steps. If the police cannot ensure justice, then why do we need them?" she said.

She further stated, "We started our protest at noon and will continue for the next three to four hours. However, if the government does not take any initiative, our movement will persist."

"My parents are worried at home. This is the reality for many students like me. We want to return home safely. The administration must ensure our security," said Sneha, who is from Narayanganj.

Outraged by the "government's inaction", the students across the country are taking to the streets amid a series of incidents of rape and sexual violence against children in recent days.