21 Prominent Citizens Demand Independent Probe, Swift Trial in Rape and Murder Case
Photo Collected
Twenty-one prominent citizens have called for impartial investigations into the escalating incidents of rape and murder of women and children in Bangladesh, urging the establishment of speedy trial tribunals for their prosecution. They also demanded enhanced security for women, children, minority groups, and vulnerable communities across the nation.
The demand was articulated in a joint statement released to the media on Thursday. Saleh Ahmed, the general secretary of the Collective Social Movement, conveyed the statement on behalf of the signatories.
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The statement expressed profound concern and anger over the rising violence, including the rape and murder of children, repression, and the pervasive sense of insecurity in public life. It highlighted recent reports indicating that at least four young girls were victims of rape and murder within a single week, underscoring what they described as a clear breakdown in the safety nets for women and children and the justice system.
These acts of violence, seen as reflections of societal decay, are creating widespread public fear. The signatories argued that a prolonged culture of impunity is emboldening perpetrators.
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Furthermore, the statement raised alarms about a growing number of child deaths due to a shortage of measles vaccines and the potential for outbreaks, contributing to public anxiety over the country’s overall law and order situation.
The group also voiced deep concern regarding the erosion of freedom of expression and the increasing attacks on minority communities. They asserted that suppressing dissent or instilling fear in the name of religion is unacceptable. In the current climate, children, women, minorities, and ordinary citizens are living under constant threat and insecurity, with violence, harassment, mob justice, and the misuse of law becoming disturbingly normalized.
The prominent citizens emphasized that silence cannot absolve responsibility and that denial is no substitute for justice. They asserted that security, dignity, accountability, and a democratic societal structure are the rights of the people of Bangladesh.
They posed critical questions: Who will take responsibility for the escalating rape and murder of women and children, the persecution of religious minorities, and preventable child deaths? Where are the independent investigation commissions and the speedy trial tribunals? Will accountability once again be lost behind the veil of bureaucracy and political malfeasance?
The statement was endorsed by former advisors to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal and Rasheda K. Choudhury; Presidium member Ramendu Majumder, President Professor Syed Anwar Hossain, and General Secretary Saleh Ahmed of the Collective Social Movement; Executive Director Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori; President of Bangladesh College University Teachers Association Nur Mohammad Talukder; and Advisor to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Kajal Debnath.
Other signatories included M. M. Akash, economics teacher at the University of Dhaka; Syed Abdullah Al-Mamun Chowdhury, former chairman of the International Relations department at the University of Rajshahi; physician Lenine Chowdhury; Supreme Court lawyer Jahidul Bari; chief organizer of the cultural organization Anandhan A. K. Azad; composer and lyricist Selim Reza; former general secretary of Khelaghar Zahirul Islam; and human rights activist Parvez Hashem.
Additionally, the statement was signed by Joint Coordinator of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) Nurul Amin; teacher leader Jahangir Alam; former general secretary of Bangladesh Secondary Teachers Association Ranjit Kumar Saha; General Secretary of Central Khelaghar Rezaul Kabir; and Acting General Secretary of Imarat Nirman Shramik Union Bangladesh Azizur Rahman Aziz.
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