Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Asiya, an 8-year-old child from Magura, whose life was brutally cut short after enduring unimaginable pain and suffering. Asiya, who was viciously raped and left to die, fought bravely until the end. Despite going through three cardiac arrests and other severe health complications, she passed away at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Her death is, and will always be, a harsh reminder to our society of the countless horrors faced by women and children all over Bangladesh. We are shattered by Asiya’s passing and extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. We pray that she may find peace in the afterlife, far from the cruelty that sought her in this world.
While we grieve, we must also translate this emotion into action. We must take preventive measures to avoid such unjustified events from repeating themselves. Bangladesh Feminist Archives (BFA) demands immediate justice for Asiya. We recognize that our justice system is far from perfect, but that’s not a valid excuse.
Asiya’s rapists and murderers must face the consequences. A swift and transparent trial must be held to ensure accountability. We cannot let Asiya’s case become just another statistic. It must be a turning point in our fight against gender-based violence.
We need a call for change and repair of broken laws and legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to go unpunished. Most importantly, it must be a loud call for reform within ourselves. Bangladesh Feminist Archives stands in solidarity with all victims of violence.
We will continue to fight for a society where no child or woman has to be a victim of such heinous atrocities. We strongly urge all social activists, advocates, feminist organizations, investigative journalists, lawyers, teachers, mothers, fathers, and everyone who believes in justice to stand in solidarity with Asiya.
We must not let her story fade away. It is our collective responsibility to carry forward this movement in her support. We must amplify the voice that was lost and ensure that no more lives are victims of such inhumane brutality.
Rest in peace, Asiya. Your voice will not be silenced.
-Nusaiba Tasfiat Islam
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 