A legal notice has been sent to the Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities seeking Tk3 crore in compensation for the family of Afsana Karim Rachi, a first-year marketing student who died after being hit by a battery-operated rickshaw on campus.
Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab, on behalf of the Law and Life Foundation Trust, issued the notice on Monday via email to the university’s vice-chancellor and registrar.
According to the notice, Afsana died on November 19 after being struck by a battery-operated rickshaw near the university premises.
The incident has drawn significant public outcry, with reports citing the alleged negligence of university authorities in ensuring campus safety.
The notice cited Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life as a fundamental right. It accused JU of gross negligence, alleging that the university failed to regulate vehicle movement on campus and ensure a secure environment for students and visitors.
“University authorities bear the legal responsibility of providing a safe campus. The fact that disciplinary action was taken against security personnel and employees following the incident is evidence of negligence,” the notice stated.
It further referenced a similar incident in 2022, where student Pooja Majumder was injured in a campus accident. At that time, students had demanded stricter regulation of vehicles and the removal of auto-rickshaws. However, the notice argued, the university failed to take adequate measures, leading to Afsana’s untimely death.
The notice emphasized that Afsana, described as a “brilliant student,” had the potential to make significant contributions to society and her family. Her death not only deprived her family of financial support but also violated her fundamental rights.
The compensation of Tk3 crore is being sought as reparation for the irreparable loss suffered by her family.
The notice also demanded immediate reforms, including mandatory registration of all vehicles entering the university and a ban on unregistered external or battery-operated rickshaws.
JU authorities have been asked to submit a progress report within five days. The notice warned that further legal action would be pursued if the compensation was not paid and appropriate safety measures were not implemented.
The university is yet to issue a formal response to the legal notice.
