A candlelight protest was held in Rangpur, demanding swift justice for the rape and murder of Magura rape victim, Asiya , as well as protesting the ongoing incidents of rape against women and children across the country.
Under the theme "When language of protest is silenced, when lips tremble and shake, let the protest be silent, yet stronger", the protest program was organized by writer, and Rangpur correspondent of The Daily Observer, Labone Yeasmin Luni, on Friday evening at 7 PM.
During the demonstration, all participants tied black cloth around their eyes, placed finger on their lips, and lit candles, maintaining five minutes of silence.
The event was attended by teachers, students, social and cultural personalities, women’s organization activists, writers, lawyers, members of the third-gender community, volunteers, and journalists.
According to the organizers, the act of covering the eyes symbolized the demand to end all forms of sexual violence in Bangladesh, while gesture of placing finger on the lips represented how women are often silenced in the aftermath of such incidents.
The organizers emphasized that women will remain silent only when they are guaranteed safety and security.
Labone Yeasmin Luni, the organizer of the protest program, said, ''The reason for the rape of women or children can never be their clothing or their guardians. It is the action of morally depraved individuals. These individuals must be brought under law swiftly, and not only that, but justice must be enforced immediately. No girl, sister, woman, or pregnant woman should ever be the victim of rape again. The state must ensure this safety.''
Another coordinator of the program, Shaharia Siddique, remarked, ''There have been numerous protests and movements across the country. We are exhausted from shouting and protesting. One issue after another, and soon people will forget the previous issue. We do not want to bury another child and forget about it. That is why we are holding this silent protest with black cloth over our eyes, and candles which is more meaningful and intense.''
The event served as a stark reminder of urgent need for justice and protection for women and children in Bangladesh.
LY/SH
