Noakhali witnessed a powerful demonstration on International Women’s Day as the Noakhali Women’s Rights Alliance called for the strict implementation of capital punishment for rapists. The protest took place on Saturday (March 8) at the Noakhali Town Hall intersection, where participants expressed outrage over the increasing incidents of sexual violence against women and children across the country.
Speakers at the event condemned the growing insecurity faced by women and children in homes, workplaces, educational institutions, and public transport. They criticized the failure of law enforcement agencies and the justice system in ensuring safety and holding perpetrators accountable.
Among those voicing their grievances was Razia Sultana, a schoolteacher and the mother of Taspiya Akter Adita, a schoolgirl who was raped and murdered in her home in Noakhali’s Laxminarayanpur in 2022. “My daughter’s murderer still walks free while I endure the shame and pain of seeking justice in court. I demand the swift execution of the death penalty for rapists and killers,” she said.
Shakila Parveen, a lecturer at Sonapur Degree College, questioned how long women would have to keep demanding justice on the streets. “Rapists and murderers are exploiting legal loopholes to evade justice. This cycle of crime will continue unless they are held accountable,” she stated.
Retired teacher Saheda Parveen echoed similar concerns, lamenting that women and children are being raped and murdered even in independent Bangladesh. “We did not fight for a country where our daughters live in constant fear. The administration and law enforcement agencies must act instead of remaining silent spectators,” she added.
Roashan Akter Laki, convener of the Noakhali Women’s Rights Alliance, emphasized the need for collective resistance. “We cannot allow this terror to persist. Both men and women must rise against rapists. We refuse to live in fear—we demand justice,” she declared.
Before the demonstration, a rally under the alliance’s banner commenced from the central Shaheed Minar, moving through the District Judge Court Road before culminating in a human chain on the main street. The hour-long human chain saw participation from representatives of women’s organizations, teachers, journalists, and professionals from various sectors.
Additionally, an awareness discussion was held at the Shahid Uddin Iskandar Kochi Convention Hall, organized by the NGO NRDS and SDG Action Alliance. Moderated by NRDS Chief Executive Abdul Awal, the event featured prominent speakers, including Molla Habibur Rasool Mamun of Udichi Shilpi Goshthi, SUJAN’s Noakhali General Secretary Abu Naser Monju, and Roashan Akter Laki.
The speakers voiced deep concerns over the rising cases of rape and murder of women and children, urging authorities to ensure swift and exemplary punishments for offenders. They called for immediate legal reforms and effective enforcement to safeguard women’s rights and security across the country.