Summary:
- BRAC University students will hold a protest on February 23 at 11:30 AM at the campus main gate against rising crime rates and delayed justice.
- The demonstration demands “exemplary punishment” for criminals amid a surge in rape, theft, and armed robbery cases across Dhaka.
- Organizers cite growing public anxiety over safety and aim to pressure authorities for faster judicial action and systemic reforms.
- The protest highlights nationwide concerns, with over 4,000 pending rape trials and calls for urgent criminal justice system overhauls.
Hundreds of BRAC University students will gather at the institution’s main gate on Sunday, February 23, at 11:30 AM, demanding swift and stringent punishment for criminals amid growing public anxiety over recent violent crimes in Dhaka. The demonstration, organized by general students, follows a surge in reported cases of rape, theft, armed robbery, and snatching across the city.
“অপরাধীদের রেহাই নয়, দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি চাই!” (“No leniency for criminals—we demand exemplary punishment!”) serves as the rallying cry for the protest. Organizers emphasize that the event aims to pressure authorities to prioritize citizen safety and ensure faster judicial outcomes for serious offenses. The protest reflects mounting frustration over perceived delays in justice and concerns about deteriorating public security.
Dhaka residents have reported heightened fears following a string of high-profile crimes, including multiple sexual assaults and daylight robberies. While law enforcement agencies have not yet publicly responded to the planned demonstration, student organizers insist the rally will remain peaceful. The event marks one of the first large-scale public responses to crime trends in the capital this year.
BRAC University, a leading private institution in Bangladesh, has not issued an official statement regarding the protest. However, participants stress the demonstration represents broader societal concerns rather than institution-specific grievances. Similar student-led movements in recent years have influenced policy discussions on judicial reform and policing strategies.
The protest coincides with ongoing national debates about law enforcement efficiency and courtroom backlogs. Government data shows over 4,000 rape cases pending trial nationwide, with activists criticizing systemic delays. Sunday’s demonstration could amplify calls for urgent reforms to Bangladesh’s criminal justice framework.
