Kolkata Rape Incident: Dhaka University students hold protest in solidarity

Protests and candle marches are going on across India to demand justice for a young lady doctor who was raped and brutally murdered at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024.

Study Abroad: The incident that happened in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, has shaken the whole country. To demand justice for the young doctor, the whole medical fraternity and others are on the street protesting and participating in the candle march. The Dhaka University students in Bangladesh have also joined the cause and reportedly held a protest to show solidarity.

Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported that the protest was held under the banner “Awaaz Tolo Nari” (Raise Your Voice, Women) and it was organized at the Raju Sculpture in Dhaka University.

Rahnuma Ahmed Niret, a student from the Department of Physics said, “We are aware of the non-cooperative attitude of the medical college administration regarding the Moumita rape case in Upper Bengal. As women, we demand that the administration provide maximum legal assistance, strictly enforce the law, and announce the verdict promptly," as reported by The Print.

Lamisha Jahan, a student from Jahangirnagar University, said, “Past rape incidents have seen the victims’ names publicised while the names of the guilty perpetrators often remain hidden. Sometimes these cases are covered up by the government or the ruling party. The days of complacency are over. We must raise our voices against all forms of humiliation towards women.”

“Women worldwide face rape, and we fully support the ongoing movement for fair accountability in the RG Kar Hospital case in Kolkata. Additionally, we call for a public trial of the rape and murder case of Sohagi Jahan Tonu in Comilla. The general public has a right to know, especially when the army is involved. The government must ensure a safe country for women through the mass uprising of student communities," said Anya Fahmin, a student at the Department of Anthropology.

Anika Arefin Anu, a student from the Department of Finance stated, “We must build a safe country for women. The students played a crucial role in the mass uprising, and we must force our government to prosecute all rape cases and ensure women’s safety."

Similar protests were held in other countries

In the US, some people held a midnight protest at Times Square on August 14, Sayantan Das who participated in the protest said, “Some scientists and researchers of New York organized the protest and we carried leaflets and posters. There were many Indians who were nearby and they asked us about the incident. Finally, when we sang the National Anthem, they joined us,” as reported by Economic Times.

The Bengali community in Germany and the UK also protested and demanded justice for the victim.

Read more:

• Study in Indonesia: Apply for UNS Scholarship; Application closes on September 30
• Study Abroad: Minouche Shafik Steps Down as President of Columbia University