JU Correspondent
A group of students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) held a silent march and candlelight vigil on Sunday night to mark “Resistance to Killers and Rapists Day”, demanding justice against sexual violence and protesting what they described as a culture of impunity on campus.
Organised under the banner of the Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance, the programme began around 10:00pm with a silent procession from the university’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). The march ended at the Central Shaheed Minar, where participants lit candles before holding a brief rally and performing protest songs.
Speaking at the rally, Prama Raha, president of the Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance, said the day commemorates the movement of female students in 1999 against notorious rapist Jasim Uddin Manik, which she described as a landmark moment in the university’s history.
“Twenty-seven years have passed since that historic movement. The day reminds us of resistance and the courage to stand against injustice,” she said.
She added that students at the time had united against sexual violence and succeeded in bringing the perpetrators to justice, while the cultural alliance had also played an active role in the movement.
Alleging that students continue to face insecurity on campus, Raha said, “Incidents of harassment are still taking place, while the university administration has failed to take effective action. Our silent march is not a symbol of silence, but of the anger and resistance we carry within us. We believe this protest will send a message against rapists, their collaborators, and those who stand with injustice.”
Semonti Rodoshi, general secretary of the organisation, said the 1999 movement had ensured justice through student resistance, but alleged that more recent incidents of harassment on campus have yet to see justice despite protests.
“The administration’s negligence is one reason, but the lack of sustained unity among students is also a factor,” she said.
She urged students to continue raising their voices through cultural activism, including songs and poetry, saying that united efforts are essential to ensuring accountability.
History department student Lamisha Zaman said the 1999 movement had established Jahangirnagar University as a symbol of resistance against sexual violence.
“Even after 27 years, allegations of rape, harassment and impunity persist on campus. Through this silent march and candlelight vigil, we reaffirm our commitment to stand against all forms of injustice, sexual violence and oppression through cultural resistance,” she said.
