Protests erupt in Khagrachhari on Friday demanding justice for the gang rape of a schoolgirl. The demonstrators also announced a dawn-to-dusk road blockade in the district for Saturday.
Under the banner of Jumma Chhatra-Janata, thousands of students and locals joined the protests. A march began at the college ground and moved through Chengi Square, Mahajanpara, Narikelbagan, Shapla Chattar, and Adalat Road before ending at Chengi Square, where a rally was held.
Speakers at the rally accused the law enforcement of negligence, saying the failure to swiftly arrest the accused had emboldened perpetrators.
"Women, regardless of age, are not safe anywhere. This situation exists because of impunity. The police have failed to arrest two of the accused even three days after the incident," said a leader of the Jumma Chhatra-Janata platform.
The victim's father told media that his daughter, an eighth grader, went missing on her way back from private tuition on the night of 23 September. After a search by family members and locals, she was found unconscious in a field at around 11pm and later admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment.
Local Police Superintendent Arefin Jewel said that one accused has been arrested and placed on a five-day remand following a court order, while efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
Another gang rape took place in Khagrachhari Sadar on 27 June. Despite a case being filed, two of the named suspects are still at large.
Tensions escalated further when protest spokesperson Ukyanu Marma alleged he was picked up and beaten by security forces on Thursday night, before being released following public resistance.
Announcing today's road blockade, Ukyanu Marma said the programme would be suspended after Saturday in light of the upcoming Durga Puja.
"But if the remaining accused are not arrested, we will launch a continuous strike," he warned.
