Torch march at Dhaka University for Marma sisters
A torch-wielding procession was brought out today at Dhaka University demanding justice over the alleged rape of two indigenous sisters in Rangamati last month.
About two hundred torch-wielding demonstrators marched through the campus, shouting slogans and demanding punishment of the “security forces” responsible for the incident.
The programme under the banner of “Nipironer Biruddhe Nagorik (citizens against repression)” in Dhaka’s prime point Shahbagh began with a street drama that condemned the incident of alleged rape and sexually assault of the two Marma sisters.
Then, the torch procession paraded through the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at DU and returned at dusk.
The two Marma sisters, one of whom was allegedly raped and the other sexually assaulted by members of security forces last month, were handed over to their parents at Rangamati Sadar Hospital on February 15 in presence of police.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The family members, however, went traceless after they left the hospital, according to their friends and police.
The Marma sisters -- aged 18 and 13 -- were admitted to the hospital on January 22. Earlier in the day, the elder one was allegedly raped while the other sexually assaulted during a drive allegedly by a team of security forces in their village, Bilaicchari.
Following a writ petition, a High Court bench on February 13 ordered the authorities concerned of the government and Rangamati Sadar Hospital to hand over the girls to their father. The petition was filed by the girls' father.
The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why the “confinement” of the girls should not be declared illegal.
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