The High Court has ordered police to sue six public employees and a contractor for negligence in duties after a man died falling through an open manhole in Dhaka last week.
The court also asked the commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to take departmental action against two policemen from Paltan station for attempting to save three Dhaka Wasa officials by fabricating information in a First Information Report (FIR) filed over the incident.
The three officers of Wasa - Executive Engineer Md Atikur Rahman, Deputy Divisional Engineer Syed Shahinur Hossain and Deputy Assistant Engineer Md Jasim Uddin, would now face lawsuit along with Md Hosen, an independent contractor.
The court also ordered to press charges against three employees of Dhaka South City Corporation - Work Assistant Rustum Ali, Deputy Assistant Engineer Mezbah Uddin and Assistant Engineer Saiful Islam.
The court found Inspector Rafiqul Islam and Assistant Sub Inspector Muhibur Rahman Sujon of Paltan police culpable for the attempted cover-up. The court asked Paltan police to either include the omitted names in the FIR or prepare a new one and tag to the old FIR.
A 45-year-old man, who is yet to be identified, fell through a manhole in Paltan area in Dhaka last week. Wasa had left the manhole open. He was declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Witnesses say a 40sqft manhole, in front of Paltan Tower, was left open for several days without any warning signs.
The court asked Wasa and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) authorities to inform it what steps they have taken to compensate the family members of the victim.
The High Court bench consisted of Justice Kazi Rezaul Haque and Justice Mohammad Ullah.
During hearing, the court sought a list of Wasa and DSCC personnel assigned to Paltan area. After the list was provided, the High Court came up with the order.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
