DU students take to street demanding death penalty for rapists

Several hundreds female students from various residential halls of Dhaka University brought out a procession at midnight, demanding death penalty for rapists.

Earlier on Saturday night, the students from Rokeya Hall first held a torchlight procession, demanding justice for victims of violence against women and children.

Later, students from Sufia Kamal Hall took out a procession at 12:30am on Sunday. Eventually, students from other halls joined them. They paraded different roads and later took position at Raju Sculpture at 1am.

The students demanded speedy trial of rape cases in the country and public execution of rapists, said media reports.

During the protest, students were seen chanting slogans such as "Tumi ke, ami ke—Ashia, Ashia" (Who are you, who am I—Ashia, Ashia)," "No place for rapists in our Golden Bengal," "Why is my sister in the grave while the murderer roams free?" and "Justice, justice, we want justice."

During this time, male students were seen joining their female fellows.

Anti-discrimination student movement leader Umama Fatema also was seen joining the protest. She said that the offenders must face trial and the ongoing violence against women should be stopped at any cost.