Police confront anti-rape protesters outside Hotel InterContinental

A confrontation broke out between police and anti-rape protesters as the demonstrators attempted to submit a memorandum to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The clash occurred around 3:20 pm in front of Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka. The protesters, rallying under the banner of "Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression," began their march from the Dhaka University campus and reached the intersection in front of the hotel.  

As they turned right towards the Chief Adviser’s residence at the state guest house Jamuna, police blocked their path with barricades. A scuffle ensued when protesters tried to push through, leading to baton charges by the police. In response, some protesters also attacked law enforcement officers, according to reports from the scene.  

Adrita Roy, one of the protesters, claimed, "We were peacefully demonstrating when police attacked us, including female protesters." She demanded the resignation of the home adviser, stating, "Women led our march today, yet we were met with violence by the police. One of our key demands was the resignation of Home Adviser Jahangir, and instead of stepping down, his police force assaulted us. Women were kicked to the ground and beaten with batons. We refuse to compromise with forces that attack us. There is no room for apologies—we are left with no choice but to build a mass movement demanding his resignation. We have been patient, but the home adviser's time is up."  

Meanwhile, Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of Ramna Division Police, reported that at least eight police officers were injured in the clash.  

The protesters' nine-point demand includes strict punishment for rapists, amendments to existing laws, and the establishment of a special tribunal for rape cases.