Jahangirnagar University (JU) has of late experienced a heartbreaking loss as well as strong advocacy for animal rights. On the 11th of December, a worrying accident at Murad Chattar awoke concern over the campus animal situation, calling for a movement to better protect the lives of stray animals.
The incident itself started off when a microbus rented by the management of Rajdhani Paribahan was making its way through the roadway within campus and ran over a puppy that was simply crossing the road. As per bystanders, the driver was aware of the puppy which was about to cross the bus’s path, yet he was attempting to drive the bus away with the tiny “animal” between the tires. Tragically, the driver misjudged his actions, and the puppy was soon struck by the car. What followed, however, left the onlookers even more stunned—the driver stepped out of the vehicle, showing no sign of distress, and appeared ready to resume his work as if nothing had happened.
The situation took a turn when Munawar Anjum Shaif, a second-year student from the IIT Department, stepped forward to confront the driver and his passengers, challenging their actions. Munawar’s courage didn’t go unnoticed, as his friends—Suhita Srutee, Md Shahriar Shakib, and Marzia Mahzabin Prity—rushed to his side. Together, they rallied for justice, calling on the authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
News of the incident soon reached Pother Pran, a JU-based animal welfare organisation known for its dedication to the campus’s stray animals. Farzana Shawon, founding member and a third-year Marketing student, along with volunteer Fariha Sultana Farin, a second-year Pharmacy student, arrived at the scene to assist in addressing the situation.
Despite their collective efforts, the occupants of the microbus denied responsibility, claiming they were unaware of the driver’s actions since the vehicle had been rented. Frustrated by their lack of accountability, the students escalated the matter to Proctor Dr AKM. Rashidul Alam.
Dr Alam intervened, instructing the involved parties to return the following day for a resolution. For safety reasons, the students documented the vehicle’s license plates and the driver’s license before letting the group leave.
A meeting was held in the Proctor’s office on 12 December. The students gave an account of the events, highlighting the cruelty of the driver’s actions and the indifference of the microbus passengers. After listening to both sides, Dr Alam fined Rajdhani Paribahan Tk10,000 and ordered the money to be spent on stray animal welfare work within the campus.
Addressing the issue, Dr Alam said, “The students feed campus dogs, take care of them and get them treated when sick. And so they feel the pain when the dogs die. No compensation can match up to a life, but some form of punishment needs to be instituted for one to respect the lives on the road.”
The Proctor also asked Pother Pran and other animal lovers to request the vice-chancellor to implement some formal policies to protect the animals on campus, such as speed limits, specified feeding zones, and institutional support for medical care.
But his tragic death stirred a much deeper debate about the accountability of the university community when it comes to stray animals. While the fine imposed on Rajdhani Paribahan was largely symbolic, it represents an important milestone in the university’s path toward a compassionate community. The incident serves to remind us of the need for empathy, responsibility, and collective action in matters pertaining to animal welfare.
Through this tragedy, JU set a powerful example of how a community can rally together to protect its most vulnerable members. The movement that has come from this incident has the potential to inspire broader change, not just on campus but beyond.
