Jahangirnagar University (JU) students have locked the Business Studies Faculty on Thursday and staged protests demanding justice for the death of Afshana Karim Rachi, a student of the 53rd batch, who was fatally hit by a battery-operated rickshaw on campus.
Among their 11 demands are the arrest and prosecution of the rickshaw driver and immediate measures to ensure campus safety.
Around noon, protesting students locked the Business Studies Faculty building and later marched to the administrative building, where they announced their intention to continue the sit-in protest until visible progress is made on their demands.
Their demands include the arrest and prosecution of the rickshaw driver to ensure the maximum penalty, convening a syndicate meeting within seven working days to improve emergency medical services at the university's medical center, posthumously awarding Rachi her degree, and providing her family with compensation of Tk1 crore.
Students have also called for a complete ban on battery-operated rickshaws and the introduction of pedal rickshaws and a student shuttle service as alternatives.
They demanded the installation and regular monitoring of CCTV cameras across campus, adequate lighting, and an increase in security personnel. Restrictions on outsiders entering the campus were also emphasized.
To honor Rachi's memory, students demanded the construction of a permanent memorial and the naming of a section of the under-construction central library after her.
They called for student representatives from the 53rd batch to be included in the investigation committee to monitor progress and ensure transparency. Additionally, a central prayer session was demanded for Rachi’s departed soul, along with official notification from the university administration.
Students also called for the installation of side mirrors at road junctions and the construction of sidewalks.
Ali Chisti, a student from the 53rd batch, stated that the protest seeks justice for their late classmate and ensures campus safety for all.
He emphasized the need for visible steps from the university administration and declared that their sit-in protest would continue otherwise.
In response, JU Proctor Professor AKM Rashidul Alam said that the administration is working to identify and bring the perpetrator to justice.
He also confirmed that a complaint has been filed with Ashulia Police Station and assured that the administration is taking steps to fulfill the students' logical demands, such as banning battery-operated rickshaws from campus.
Assistant Registrar (Security) Mohammad Abu Sayeed Zinnah has lodged a case with Ashulia police station against an unidentified individual in connection with Rachi’s death. The proctor confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure justice.
