Women stage protest against Home Advisor's remarks, burn effigy

Women from various backgrounds and professions, under the platform "Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression," have demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, accusing him of failing to control mob violence and the recent harassment of two women in Lalmatia. 

On Monday (March 3), they held a protest rally and demonstration near Aarong at Asad Gate, followed by burning an effigy of the Home Affairs Advisor in front of the National Parliament Building.

The protest was sparked by an incident in Lalmatia's B Block area on Saturday, where two women were allegedly harassed and physically assaulted by a mob. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and the failure of law enforcement to curb such violence.

At the rally, Adrita Roy, a student of Jahangirnagar University, said, "Our two sisters have been victims of mob violence. Not just this incident, but since August 5, incidents of robbery, theft, murder, and mob attacks have been ongoing across the country. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Advisor held a press conference at 3 AM and said, 'The country is fine.' If you close your eyes and listen to him, you'd think he's a minister from the Awami League."

Adrita added, "We, who participated in the mass uprising, had hopes and aspirations. But after the uprising, the state and the advisors have failed to ensure even a minimal level of security for us."

Lamya Islam, a student of Prime University, said, "If the actions of the women who were harassed are considered a crime, it would at most be a civil offense. But physically assaulting them is a criminal offense. How can a Home Affairs Advisor justify a criminal offense?"

After the rally, the protesters marched through the Lalmatia area, chanting slogans such as "Stop slut-shaming," "Culture of impunity, politics of oppressors," "My country, my streets, my rights," and "Where are the laws when it comes to men?" They carried placards with similar messages.

Later, the protesters gathered in front of the National Parliament Building, where they burned an effigy of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

The incident in Lalmatia occurred on Saturday evening when two young women were allegedly attacked by a mob near Aarong for smoking. One of the victims claimed they were physically assaulted after being confronted by the mob.

In response to the incident, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, while speaking to journalists after inspecting the Public Order Management in Mirpur on Sunday, said, "From what I understand, they (the two women) were smoking cigarettes, and some people were passing by to offer prayers. When they (the mob) objected, tea was thrown at them." He added, "Smoking in public is a crime for both men and women. I urge everyone not to smoke in open spaces."