BRAC University has been served a legal notice demanding immediate action over the reported removal and abandonment of campus cats.
The notice was issued to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Vice Chancellor of BRAC University by Md Towfiqul Islam Khan, Barrister-at-Law, on behalf of ALB Animal Shelter, a registered non-profit animal welfare organisation.
According to the notice, the university authorities allegedly removed and relocated all campus cats, including sick and injured animals that were being cared for by students.
The incidents were widely reported in the media, including The Times of Bangladesh on November 1, 2025, as well as on independent social media platforms such as Bracuian’s Diary and by various student groups, activists, and independent journalists.
The notice claims these actions violated the Animal Welfare Act, 2019, and Article 18A of the Constitution, which obliges institutions to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity.
It also warns that forcibly relocating dependent animals constitutes cruelty, potentially punishable under the law. Verified reports indicate that at least eight cats have been rescued by volunteers, one cat is believed to have died from stress or starvation, and several others remain missing.
The legal notice demands that BRAC University, within 72 hours, would immediately cease all forms of animal removal or relocation, issue a formal ban on animal abuse and displacement, secure food and cafeteria areas through humane methods, facilitate the safe return of displaced campus cats, adopt a lawful and humane animal management policy in line with the Animal Welfare Act, 2019 and ensure kittens and puppies born on campus are given up for adoption through registered shelters.
The notice further warns that failure to comply may result in legal action through the University Grants Commission and potentially a writ petition at the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, seeking directives and punitive measures under the Animal Welfare Act and the Bangladesh Penal Code, 1860.
Student groups and animal welfare activists have expressed outrage over the University’s actions, calling for accountability and humane treatment of animals on campus. BRAC University has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations.
