Students of Jagannath Hall Protest, Demand Justice for Dipu Das and Ayesha

Students of Jagannath Hall at the University of Dhaka staged a silent march and protest rally on Sunday, demanding justice for the brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka and the horrific burning death of seven-year-old Ayesha, daughter of a BNP leader in Laxmipur. The demonstration highlighted growing concerns over mob violence, political retaliation, and the misuse of religious sentiments in Bangladesh, which participants described as fostering a culture of impunity and social regression.

The protest, which began at 3:00 pm from the hall premises, followed a route through the Vice-Chancellor’s courtyard and the hall neighbourhood, culminating in a brief gathering in front of the Raju Sculpture. Many participants wore black cloths over their mouths as a symbol of mourning and silent dissent. Placards carried messages such as:

• “Religion preaches truth, not murder”
• “Bring all religious offenders to justice”
• “Stop mob killings”
• “Justice for Dipu”
• “Justice for Ayesha”

Chanting slogans including “Dipu Das was burnt, what does the administration do?” and “We want justice now”, the students demanded accountability from the state and law enforcement agencies.

At the rally, Jagannath Hall Vice-President Pallab Barman condemned the attacks as “barbaric and shameful acts” in the 21st century. He questioned the rationale behind punishing a child for her father’s political affiliations, saying, “Ayesha’s father was politically active; what crime had the child committed?” Barman emphasised that the state must not allow political vengeance and religious provocation to justify such atrocities. He urged authorities to ensure the perpetrators of both murders are brought swiftly to justice, and called on the government to assume responsibility for the welfare of Dipu Das’s family.

Jagannath Hall General Secretary Sudipto Pramanik added that Bangladesh’s 53-year history is being marked by repeated violations against minority communities. “When the state fails to ensure security and acts as a silent witness to violence, citizens are left with little choice but to seek protection themselves,” he remarked.

Students were also encouraged to participate in an online awareness campaign by changing their social media profile pictures to black and using hashtags #JusticeForDipu and #JusticeForAyesha to amplify the call for justice.

Key Details of the Protest :

The demonstration reflects widespread public anxiety over the escalating trend of mob killings, political retaliation, and religious intolerance in Bangladesh, with students taking a determined stand to demand accountability and justice.