Dhaka: Crowds of Bangladeshi female students marched in Dhaka carrying torches late on Tuesday, demanding that the government stop a dramatic rise in violence against women.
Some chanters said they hoped the student-led revolution that ousted former authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina in August would help improve the status of women.
Demonstrator Israt Jahan Imo told AFP, “The recent uprising, which witnessed a large participation of women, raised expectations that there would be no rape or harassment of women, and that they would be provided with absolute security.”
“But we don’t see any change. We are in the same situation as we were during the fascist regime.”
Bangladeshi students on guard as exiled PM urges show of strength
Women’s rights group Bangladesh Mohila Parishad said its organization recorded an increase in cases of violence against women by more than a quarter in September, compared to previous months.
The group collects data from 10 national newspapers and supports it with its own information.
“Freedom! Freedom!” Women chanted as dozens waved bonfires as they walked through the Dhaka University campus.
“When we talk, we are asked to be patient,” Imo said.
Joya Sikdar, a transgender woman, said she participated to show “solidarity.”
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed the country’s “chief advisor” to lead the Muslim-majority country with a population of about 170 million people.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading an interim administration to address what he described as the “very difficult” challenge of restoring democratic institutions.
“There should be no inequality among Bangladeshi citizens,” said Rupashi Chakma, another protester.
“Violence against women must end in all regions of the country.”