The Jahangirnagar University administration has suspended four individuals, including a deputy registrar, over the death of a marketing student, who died after being struck by an autorickshaw on campus.
Acting registrar Dr ABM Azizur Rahman confirmed the suspensions around midnight on Tuesday, hours after the death of Afsana Karim Rachi, a student from the 53rd batch (2023-24 session) of the Department of Marketing and a resident of Begum Khaleda Zia Hall.
The suspended individuals are deputy registrar (estate) Md Abdur Rahman, security officer Russell Mia, assistant supervisor Abdus Salam and duty guard Mansur Rahman Pramanik.
The acting registrar said negligence of duty had led to their suspension.
Earlier, JU students held a sit-in in front of the vice chancellor’s residence, holding the estate office head accountable and demanding his dismissal.
Following the students’ eight-point charter of demands, the university administration assured them of appropriate action against those responsible.
Consequently, the protesting students withdrew from the sit-in.
Rachi was a former student of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College and the daughter of businessman Md Rezaul Karim from Sherpur.
Eyewitnesses reported that she was crossing the road in front of the New Arts Building when a speeding battery-run autorickshaw coming from the opposite direction hit her, forcefully throwing her into a tree.
Rachi was first taken to the JU Medical Centre, but due to the severity of her condition, she was transferred to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar. Upon her arrival, the on-duty physician declared her dead.
Duty manager Sabuj said she was brought to the hospital at exactly 7:30pm.
“We found her dead upon arrival. While there were no major visible injuries on her body, her teeth and gums were completely dislodged. It is likely that this injury led to her death."
Day of mourning
Meanwhile, the JU administration declared a day of mourning on Wednesday in response to the incident, suspending all classes and exams.
Additionally, according to a notice issued by the acting registrar, all university bus services will be suspended for the day.