On March 20, 2016, the body of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Comilla Victoria Government College and a theatre activist, was recovered from the Mainamati Cantonment area. She had been brutally raped and murdered. Nine years have passed, yet no one has been held accountable.
Since that day, Tonu’s family—especially her grieving parents—have been demanding justice, but all they’ve received is silence and negligence. The investigation has changed hands four times, and the investigating officer has been replaced six times. Still, no suspect has been identified, no charges filed, and no justice delivered.
Her mother, Anwara Begum, shared through tears, “When Tonu was born, our life lit up like the moon. Now we live in darkness. The trial book? It’s a joke. Nothing has happened in nine years—except for changing the investigation officers. I want them brought to justice first.”
Tonu’s father, Yar Hossain, an employee at the Comilla Cantonment Board, said:
“There has always been a political government. For different reasons, the murderers never came forward. I want justice from the current interim government. I will not rest even in death until my daughter’s killers are held accountable.”
Despite early involvement by the police, Detective Branch (DB), CID, and now the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), there has been no real progress. Current PBI investigator Md. Tariqul Islam claims the investigation is ongoing, but Tonu’s family says they have not been contacted in months.
Nine Years of Neglect, Nine Years of Shame.
Why has there been no justice for Tonu?
Why are the authorities silent?
Why has the system failed a young woman so violently taken from this world?
Tonu’s murder is not forgotten. Her name still echoes in the hearts of those who believe in justice.
We demand accountability, transparency, and justice—NOW.
Nine years is too long.
Justice for Tonu. Justice for all victims silenced by the system.
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