Pay Tk 1m to Rajib’s brothers: SC to bus company

Rajib Hossain. Prothom Alo File Photo
Rajib Hossain. Prothom Alo File Photo

The Appellate Division on Sunday ordered the owner of the bus company 'Sajan Paribahan' to pay Tk 1 million in a month to the family of Govt Titumir College student Rajib Hasan, who died last year after his right arm had been severed being stuck between two buses in the city, reports UNB.

A four-member Appellate Division of the Supreme Court bench, led by chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, passed the order after hearing an appeal filed by ‘Sajan Paribahan’.

Rajib lost his right arm after he was trapped between two buses in the city’s Banglamotor area on 4 April last year. He succumbed to his injuries on 17 April that year.

Advocate Shafiqul Islam Babul defended the transport company while Barrister Ruhul Kuddus Kajal argued for Rajib’s family.

The apex court said 'Sajan Paribahan' will have to pay Tk 1 million as compensation to the victim’s family and then it will take their appeal into consideration.

It also said it would take the matter of compensation to be provided by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BTRC) into consideration as well.

Babul said the High Court has already released the copy of its verdict and they will file a leave-to-appeal petition challenging the order.

On 20 June last, the High Court ordered two bus companies to give Tk 5 million, Tk 2.5 million each, as compensation to the family of Rajib within two months.

On 4 April last year, the court sought explanations from the authorities concerned on why directives should not be issued to provide Tk 10 million as compensation to Rajib.

The High Court on 8 May of the same year ordered owners of 'Sajan Paribahan' and BRTC to pay Tk 5 million each (Tk 10 million in total) to Rajib's family.

But the order was stayed by the Appellate Division on 22 May. The apex court directed the High Court to form an independent committee to fix the compensation money and find out who is responsible for the accident.

On 30 May 2018, the High Court formed a three-member committee to identify those responsible for the accident and fix the amount of compensation.