Robbery, sexual assault on bus: Protest held at Shahbagh demanding justice

A group of citizens formed a human chain yesterday in front of the National Museum in the capital, protesting a recent bus robbery and the alleged sexual assault of women on board.
Speakers at the event condemned the February 17 incident, where a gang of robbers not only looted money, mobile phones, and gold ornaments but also sexually assaulted multiple women, exposing a severe lapse in state security.
Moreover, victims who attempted to file complaints were caught in a jurisdictional dispute between two police stations, they added. Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Baraigram Police Station in Natore, claimed he was unaware of the incident, while the OC of Mirzapur Police Station in Tangail stated he had received no reports of sexual assault on the bus.
The speakers criticised the police for their inaction and demanded justice for the victims, calling their response highly questionable.
They emphasised that this was not an isolated event but a reflection of the growing lawlessness across the country.
Additionally, they urged the formation of a task force to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and enhance security on night buses, including increased surveillance and more police checkposts.
Three days after the alleged robbery and sexual assault, a case was finally filed today with Tangail’s Mirzapur Police Station.LondonGBDESK//