Chhatra Shibir takes to streets over Hijab remarks rape incidents
MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir staged a large protest march and rally in the capital on Sunday night, condemning what it described as derogatory remarks about hijab and religious attire made in the National Parliament, as well as expressing concern over what it termed an ongoing rise in rape and violence against women across the country.Organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan unit of the student organization, the procession began at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at around 9:30 pm and marched through key city roads before concluding with a brief rally in front of the National Press Club.The demonstration was attended by several central and metropolitan leaders of the organization, including Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azar, Central Publication Secretary Amirul Islam, Student Welfare Secretary Rezaul Karim Shakil, Dhaka Metropolitan East President and DUCSU Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, South President Hafez Delwar Hossain, West President Hafez Abu Taher, and other leaders and activists. The rally was conducted by Dhaka Metropolitan North President Saiful Islam Sayem.Addressing the gathering, Azizur Rahman Azar criticized recent comments allegedly made by BNP lawmaker Monirul Haque Chowdhury regarding the hijab, niqab, and observance of purdah by female opposition lawmakers in Parliament. He claimed that such remarks had hurt the sentiments of millions of religious Muslims and demanded that the comments be withdrawn.“Religious freedom and the right to observe modest dress should be respected in a democratic society,” Azar said. He also alleged that applause from fellow lawmakers following the remarks reflected a disregard for the religious values of a significant portion of the population.The student leader further expressed concern over incidents of rape and violence against women, alleging that members of BNP and its affiliated organizations had been involved in a number of such crimes. He called for exemplary punishment for those responsible and urged students and citizens to unite in building what he described as a morally responsible society.Other speakers at the rally criticized the country's law-and-order situation, citing incidents of murder, sexual violence, and gun attacks. They urged the authorities to take stronger measures to ensure public safety and bring perpetrators of serious crimes to justice.Participants in the demonstration carried placards and chanted slogans demanding accountability for those accused of insulting religious values and swift legal action against individuals involved in rape and violence against women.The rally concluded with calls for greater protection of religious freedoms, improved public security, and stricter enforcement of the law against violent crimes.
