Highlights
- A legal notice has been sent to the government over the Padma Bus Tragedy in Rajbari.
- Lawyers demanded at least Tk 1 crore compensation for each family of the deceased.
- The notice also called for advanced treatment and rehabilitation for the injured.
- Authorities have been given seven working days to take action, or a writ may be filed in the High Court.
Following the deadly bus accident at Daulatdia Ghat, a group of Supreme Court lawyers sent a legal notice to the government demanding compensation for the victims’ families. The notice was jointly issued on Wednesday (25 March) by advocates Nawazul Asif Saad, Rafi G Rahman, and Zayed Bin Naser in the public interest.
Demand for Tk 1 Crore Compensation per Family
In the notice, the lawyers demanded that each family of those killed in the accident be given a minimum of Tk 1 crore as compensation. They also urged the government to ensure proper medical treatment and rehabilitation for those who were injured in the Padma Bus Tragedy.
Government Officials Named in the Notice
The legal notice named several officials as respondents, including:
- The Road Transport and Bridges Minister
- The shipping minister
- The state minister in charge of the Bridges Division
- The Secretaries of the Bridges Division and the Shipping Ministry
Read More: Jahangirnagar University Student Ahnnaf’s Old Facebook Post on Death Goes Viral After Bus Tragedy
Call for Independent Investigation into Possible Negligence
The lawyers stated that although the incident appears to be an accident, it is important to investigate whether there was any negligence or mismanagement by ferry authorities, transport officials, or other responsible persons. They emphasized that the state has a duty to ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation for injured passengers, especially those who may have lost their ability to work.
Seven-Day Deadline to Take Action
The notice asked the concerned authorities to take necessary steps within seven working days. Otherwise, the lawyers warned that they would file a writ petition in the High Court and take further legal action in the public interest. The lawyers also demanded the formation of a high-level investigation committee to find out the real cause of Padma Bus Tragedy.
They called for the investigation report to be made public within seven working days and for exemplary punishment against those found responsible. The tragic accident took place around 5:15 PM on 25 March, when a passenger bus of Souhardo Paribahan lost control while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia and fell into the Padma River. So far, 26 bodies have been recovered from the river.
Lawyer Says Notice Already Sent by Email
Speaking about the notice, Advocate Nawazul Asif Saad said it was sent in the public interest and had already been delivered via email due to time constraints. He added that the hard copy would be sent by post on the next working day. He said,
“জনস্বার্থে এই নোটিশটি প্রেরণ করা হয়েছে… সময় স্বল্পতার জন্য আমরা ই-মেইলে আগেই পাঠিয়ে দিয়েছি।”
Translation: “The notice has been sent in the public interest… due to time constraints, we have already sent it by email.”
Source: Kalbela
