Anti-Discrimination Student Movement rallies at Dhaka University in solidarity with Kolkata protestors

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement held a protest rally and a candlelight vigil at the foot of Dhaka University's Raju Sculpture in solidarity with protestors in Kolkata demanding justice and an investigation into the rape and murder of 'Moumita' and against all types of discrimination and violence against women.

Nushrat Tabassum, one of the coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, emphasised the need to focus on human values rather than gender distinctions. “Without distinguishing between men and women, we should think in terms of good people and bad people; a criminal should be recognised as a criminal – whether they are a woman or a man,” she said. "We are so used to hearing about rape that it doesn't bother us as much. We have to change our attitude towards women."

“What is happening with Moumita today shows the image of our society towards women. None of us are safe from the rapists,” she said.

Nusrat  questioned, “There are laws, but who will enforce them? We don't need new laws; we want judgement. Justice must be ensured.”

Ashrefa, a student of Dhaka University’s International Relations department and another coordinator, expressed concerns about safety on campus. “I couldn’t walk safely on my campus many times. Where is the safety for us? Women's rights should be ensured all over the world. Women should be seen as human beings,” she said.

Another student, Hafsa, added, “We stand against a dark age. This is not just about one murder; it questions our view over the ages.” She also mentioned, "We have not made society safe for girls. We urge all the people of the world to work for a better society.

Hafsa posed a poignant question: “Can we accept such brutal murder of Maumita? We don't want any more girls to become victims like her. Another student asked, “If your own sister was a victim of rape, would your protest be so silent? We demand a fair investigation and trial.”

During the protest rally, students chanted several slogans like  "Tanu to Moumita, Comilla to Kolkata", "Bury the rapist, girls take over the night", "Action to action, direct action", "Stand with Moumita," "We Want Justice,"  "Break the black hands of rapists."

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