ACC starts probe into Ctg authorities' negligence in death of child who fell in open drain

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has begun investigating whether there was any negligence of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) in connection with the recent death of a child who fell into an open drain from a battery-run auto-rickshaw. 

On Sunday (27 April), a team led by Riaz Uddin, assistant director of the ACC's Integrated District Office Chattogram-2, visited the CDA and CCC offices to interrogate the officials.

Speaking to reporters, Assistant Director Riaz said, "A child recently died after falling into a drain. We are looking into whether there is any accountability on the part of CDA or CCC. We spoke with the CDA chairman and other relevant officials, including the director of the waterlogging project. CDA is responsible for 36 canals, and they have reportedly completed work on 19 of them."

He added, "The canal where the accident occurred has only just seen the beginning of work by the CDA. It's still ongoing. For the canals where work is complete, they've informed us that safety railings have been installed. We will visit the sites in person. We'll also inspect the accident site. 

He further said the project design includes provisions for railings, but the ACC would verify how much has actually been done. 

It will also be investigated why the CDA did not form a probe committee following the child's death.

CDA Chairman Nurul Karim told reporters, "The ACC regularly monitors various organisations, not just the CDA. When the ACC team visited us, they inquired about our waterlogging project, and our project director provided them with all relevant information. 

"They were especially concerned about the recent tragic death of a child, which they asked about. The accident happened when a fast-moving battery-run autorickshaw overturned."

He continued, "Work is ongoing across 36 canals, and the army is executing it. The CDA is coordinating, and the ministry is overseeing the project. At the canal where the accident occurred, we haven't started work yet. 

"Work on canals is being done in phases. The ACC asked if we've ensured protective measures in the completed ones. We've taken protective steps on all finished canals, installing 1.5 to 2-foot-high railings as per project plans. We informed ACC of this."

On 18 April, in Chawkbazar's Kapasgola area, a battery-run auto-rickshaw fell into a drain near Hijla canal. 

The vehicle carried three passengers, including a six-month-old girl in her mother's lap. The others were rescued, but the baby was swept away. Around 14 hours later, the child's body was found in the Chaktai canal, about five kilometers from the accident site.

Following the incident, The CCC formed an investigation committee. 

After ACC's inspection, CCC Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam told reporters, "ACC officials came and inquired about the child's death in the canal. As you know, CDA is handling the excavation of 36 canals. We handed over the Hijla canal to them, and they've started working there."

He added, "The spot where the accident happened is very risky. Our executive engineer, recognising the danger, had installed bamboo railings along the canal and drain. One or two days before the accident, CDA or their workers removed the bamboo railing to allow the entry of an excavator. The accident occurred afterward. We clarified all of this to the ACC."