Emi's sit-in programme at Shahbagh suspended on adviser Asif’s assurance

Dhaka University student Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi, who has been holding an indefinite sit-in programme at Shahbagh to realise five demands, including fair trial for rape, has suspended the sit-in.

She suspended the programme on the assurance of Asif Mahmud, adviser to the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, on Saturday (March 15) evening.

Emi told the media, "Adviser Asif Mahmud came to Shahbagh at around 7pm. At that time, mentioning specific time, he assured that each of our five demands would be fulfilled. Trusting him, I have suspended my sit-in programme for the time being. I hope that I will not have to return to the streets again. If necessary, I will come out on the streets again and again."

Her five-point demands include the entire trial process of rape and molestation should be completed within 180 days from the lower court to the high court and the verdict should be implemented quickly; an emergency crisis response team for women and child abuse with a female police officer should be formed in every police station; and a one-stop crisis centre should be established inside the police station.

Emi also said, “Everyone is my fellow soldier. Those who have always supported me for eight days, please pray for us.”

Earlier, on March 8, this former student of Dhaka University started a sit-in at Shahbagh. After that, many people from different walks of life came to her and expressed solidarity.

Mentionable, Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi was elected as the VP of Shamsunnahar Hall in the DUCSU elections held in 2019. She was a central member of the National Citizens Committee. Later, she did not join the new political party NCP.