Tanvir Mahim‚ CoU Correspondent

Teachers and students of Comilla University (CoU) organized a protest rally in response to the ongoing violence, murders, and sexual assaults against women across the country. This rally has held at the university’s central roundabout on Sunday, March 9. The protest, initiated by general students of the university, featured slogans such as “Who are you, who am I? We are all Achiya,” “Asif Nazrul, enforce the law or step down,” “Spread the news across Bengal, bury the rapists,” and “Catch each rapist, slaughter them one by one.” Abdullah Al Mamun, a faculty member of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, stated, “We achieved our red independence through the July movement, but where is the freedom for women? Women are being oppressed and raped everywhere, yet no administrative action is being taken. We demand the highest punishment for rapists.” Mahmudul Hasan, Acting Chair of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, remarked, “Rape is the only crime where the victim is blamed. As a father, I feel concerned for my daughter. We urge the government to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.” Kamrun Nahar Sheela, a faculty member of the Department of Bangla, expressed, “The entire country seems to be engulfed in a spree of rapes. Even infants are not spared. Despite everything, the administration’s behavior remains suspicious. I urge the authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for all murderers, looters, and rapists to build a healthy and beautiful Bangladesh.” Assistant Proctor Nahida Nahid added, “We are all here to protest against rape. Such heinous crimes are unacceptable under any circumstances. We demand swift justice.” Abdur Rahim, a student of the Department of Management, commented, “It is honorable to resist a rapist, even if it costs one’s life. I urge all mothers and sisters across the country to do their utmost to protect themselves from rapists. The death penalty for rapists must be ensured.” Zulfa, a student of the Department of Chemistry, shared, “From the moment a woman is born, she faces harassment in various forms. The rate of rape is increasing across the country. If we do not unite and speak up for Achiya today, tomorrow it could happen to any of us. Then, crying out alone will be of no use. The death penalty for rapists must be implemented swiftly to deter such heinous acts.” It is worth noting that on Thursday, March 6, an 8-year-old girl named Achiya from Magura district was raped by her sister’s father-in-law, Hitu.