Together they march to break the shackles

Holding torches and placards, hundreds of women marched in the streets of Dhaka early yesterday, protesting the government's failure to provide security for women and the recent surge in rape.

They also pressed for their 12-point demand, including amendment of the Penal Code by changing the discriminatory definition of rape to make it more inclusive.

The protesters united under the banner "Shekol Bhangar Padajatra" (March to Break the Shackles). The march started from Shahbagh at 11:59pm, participated by women from all walks of life.

The procession reached Manik Mia Avenue around 1:30 pm via Kataban, Science Lab and Rapa Plaza. A good number of men were seen taking part in the procession.

In unison, protesters shouted slogans like "I am a woman, I am innocent", "the real culprit is the rapist" and "rapists roam free while my sister is in the grave".

Faiza Fairuz Rimjhim, a student who took part in the procession, said, "We marched at night to also protest the unwritten ban on girls going out at night."

Protesters demanded security for women, and spoke against the state's failure and patriarchy.

A rally was also held in front of National Parliament, participated by noted photographer Shahidul Alam, activist Rehnuma Ahmed and Dhaka University teacher Samina Luthfa, among others.

They demanded exemplary punishment for offenders in all pending rape and sexual violence cases as soon as possible.

Protesters' other demands include ensuring security for women on hills and plain land, taking steps against those involved in harassing victims, bringing necessary reform in education system, implementing and making the sexual harassment cell functional in educational institutions, repealing section 155(4) of Bangladesh's Evidence Act 1872 and completing trial of rape cases within 90 days through speedy tribunal.

The rally ended around 2:30am.

Amid nationwide protests in the wake of a series of gang-rapes and sexual assaults on women, the president on Tuesday promulgated an ordinance allowing death penalty as the highest punishment for rape instead of life-term imprisonment. 

Experts, however, said death penalty is not a solution and the government needs to immediately address systemic problems in rape trials and the extremely low conviction rates.