DU female students issue 24-hr ultimatum over Magura rape

Female students from Dhaka University (DU) held a protest at the Raju Sculpture in the early hours of Sunday, demanding justice for the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. They issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate arrest and court appearance of the perpetrators.

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressed the gathering at approximately 2:30 am, stating, “The interim government has failed to protect women. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and army, are not fulfilling their duties. Despite the brutal rape in Magura, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice. We are compelled to protest at this hour.”

She emphasised, “We demand that those involved in the Magura rape case be presented in court immediately. We are giving the government 24 hours. If they fail to deliver justice, we will reconvene at the Raju Sculpture at 7:00 pm on Sunday to continue our protest.”

Hasibul Islam, the lead organizer of the Democratic Students' Union DU chapter, said despite the army being granted magisterial powers, the situation in the country has continued to worsen. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Adviser remains in office, drawing a salary but failing to ensure the safety of women or maintain law and order. We are demanding the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser, as voiced in today’s rally.

Rabeya Akhter, a student participant, expressed her fear, saying, “Women are not safe. Can the state guarantee my safety as I stand here? We demand the state ensure our right to move freely without fear.”

The protest began at approximately 12:30 am with students from Poet Sufia Kamal Hall, who were later joined by students from other residential halls. They marched around the campus before gathering at the Raju Sculpture at approximately 1:00 am to voice their demands.