The Democracy of Rape: A New Chapter in the Yunus Era

Advocate Shahanur Islam

The country is now experiencing the full flavor of democracy! After years of struggle, foreign intervention, and mass protests, Sheikh Hasina’s government has fallen. The dream was that tyranny would end, justice would prevail, and freedom would flourish. But what a cruel twist of fate! Within just six months, the nation has turned into a battleground—where rape, murder, and lawlessness have become the daily headlines.

Do you remember that viral poster from the protests? A young woman, clad in a burqa with a mask, sat on the street holding a white placard that read: “Fuck me, but we want Sheikh Hasina’s fall.” Back then, it was hailed as a symbol of liberation, a call for democracy. But today, it seems that call has been taken far too literally—except now, it’s the most vulnerable who are paying the price.

The previous government was accused of tyranny, of protecting criminals, of denying justice to victims. Protesters believed that change would bring security and dignity. But now? Now, every sunrise brings fresh reports of sexual violence, and every sunset sees more bodies discarded in the streets. Under the new regime, it seems rape has become a weapon, and justice a distant memory.

Where is law enforcement? Too busy protecting the new ruling class instead of the people. Where is the media? Now enjoying their newfound “freedom”—the freedom to remain silent. And what about the so-called pro-democracy leaders? The same voices that once screamed for justice are now content with posting hollow statistics on social media, their activism ending with a hashtag.

But who is truly responsible? Was it Sheikh Hasina, whose rule was condemned as autocratic? Or those who thought democracy could be built on reckless slogans rather than real reforms? Or the foreign powers that championed a revolution but turned their backs once the country descended into chaos?

Democracy is not just about changing governments; it is about dismantling cultures of impunity. It is about ensuring that justice is not selective. But when movements are driven by anger rather than accountability, when justice is treated as a bargaining chip instead of a fundamental right—this is the inevitable result.

So, was this truly a step toward democracy, or just another tragic cycle of history repeating itself?

The writer is a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer, Laureate 2023,  French government’s Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders, and Founder President, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF),  Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org, Website: www.jmbf.org

************************************************ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.