Shift case to speedy trial tribunal

Cultural personalities yesterday demanded justice for the murder of Comilla Victoria College student Sohagi Jahan Tonu and shifting of the case to a speedy trial tribunal.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the government and law enforcers' indifference to arresting the killers, they raised the demands from a rally at Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.

Bangladesh Patha Natok Parishad organised the rally as part of a five-day demonstration, which was previously announced by Sammilita Sanskritik Jote (SSJ) on Monday, seeking justice for her murder.

Hasan Arif, general secretary of SSJ, said, "We want a fair probe into the murder and exemplary punishment for the killers. They must be tried under a speedy trial tribunal."

Theatre personality Ramendu Majumder alleged, "Tonu's father said that he had identified stab marks on her head, but the doctors submitted a 'false report' showing no stab marks."

Renowned actor and play director Mamunur Rashid said, "Exemplary punishment for the killers has to be ensured so that none can dare to think of committing such barbaric crimes and attacking women in the future."

SSJ President Golam Kuddus said, "It is shameful for the whole nation that none was arrested yet…even after one month of her killing." Three dramas were staged at the rally in order to raise awareness among the people against violence against women. They also announced that they would hold a candlelight protest rally across the country on April 23.