Protests erupt across Bangladesh over assault of 8-year-old

Dhaka

Students across Bangladesh erupted in protests following the brutal assault of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. Outrage over rising sexual violence led to demonstrations in multiple cities, with protesters demanding justice and stricter laws.

At Dhaka University, teachers and students gathered at Aparajeyo Bangla, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for the government to act. Protesters chanted, “Death to rapists!” while female students from Rokeya Hall held a torch rally demanding public executions for offenders. The newly formed "Anti-Rape Platform" called for special tribunals and capital punishment.

Rajshahi University students blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway and boycotted classes, with demonstrators insisting on the highest punishment for rapists. Similar protests broke out at Jahangirnagar University, where students disrupted traffic on the Dhaka-Aricha highway, giving authorities 48 hours to arrest the suspects.

In Khulna, students staged a spontaneous 3:00 a.m. protest, warning of larger demonstrations if justice was delayed. Universities including North South, Independent, and Shahjalal University also joined the movement.

Protesters criticized the interim government for failing to protect women and children, demanding immediate action to curb sexual violence.