Anti-rape protests continued across the country for the sixth consecutive day yesterday as different socio-cultural and rights organisations took to the streets to condemn the growing incidents of rape, sexual harassment and violence against women.
In Dhaka, protests were held in Shahbagh, Manik Mia Avenue and National Press Club areas.
In front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, activists from different organisations, including those working for women's rights, staged demonstrations.
The protesters were chanting slogans condemning the impunity of rapists and demanding prompt action to bring the rapists to book.
They were holding placards inscribed with slogans such as: "Stop protecting rapists", "Mukti chai, Rokkha Noi", "If you justify rape, you are a rapist too."
[bad iframe src]
Before the programme started, police obstructed the protesters saying they would not allow demonstrations there, after which more protesters joined and began chanting slogans.
At least 500 people had joined the rally in front of the parliament building, where Feminists Across Generations -- an inter-generational feminist alliance -- declared a national emergency, demanding an end to all gender-based violence.
They said the death penalty is not a solution; they want an end to rape culture.
Rights activists further demanded the urgent and immediate adoption of a 10-point demand issued by the Rape Law Reform Coalition, including redefining rape to ensure that it covers all forms of non-consensual penetration, whether penile or not, and irrespective of gender, reviewing the Evidence Act 1872 to remove all scope for institutional victim blaming, ensuring protection and access to justice without discrimination for all rape victims, and conducting sensitisation trainings for police, lawyers, Judges and social workers so rape survivors are treated with respect and due responsiveness during reporting, investigation and prosecution.