Tragic death in Tongi: HC orders action after woman dies falling into uncovered manhole 

The High Court has directed a 90-day investigation into the death of 32-year-old Faria Tasnim Jyoti, who fell into an open manhole in Tongi, Gazipur.

Authorities instructed to submit the report include the Local Government Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur, officials of Gazipur City Corporation, and the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department.

The order came today (3 September) following a public interest petition filed by the human rights organisation Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST). A bench comprising Justices Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Foyez Ahmed issued the rule after the preliminary hearing.

Woman’s body recovered two days after falling into manhole in Tongi

The High Court sought clarification on why the concerned authorities' failure to maintain and repair the manhole should not be deemed unlawful and why punitive or legal action should not be taken against those responsible. 

The court also asked why all open drains and manholes across the country have not been properly covered and why visible warning signs have not been installed.

Additionally, the court questioned why the results of the investigation and any remedial measures are not being publicly disclosed, and why preventive steps to avoid such incidents in the future have not been ordered for local government and highway authorities. 

Authorities have been given four weeks to respond to the rule.

BLAST's legal team, including Barrister Anita Gazi Rahman, Shahin Ahmed, Bonrupa Roy, and Barrister Joydeepta Deb Chowdhury, represented the petitioners, while Deputy Attorney General Khan Ziaur Rahman appeared for the state.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Barrister Anita Gazi Rahman said the incident occurred on 27 July near Hossain Market in Tongi, alongside the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway in front of Imperial Eye Care Hospital and Dhaka Imperial Hospital. 

Faria Tasnim Jyoti fell into an uncovered manhole at approximately 8:10pm. Her body was later recovered 37 hours after the accident by fire service divers from the nearby Shalikchura Bil, around 2–3 kilometers away.

BLAST investigations revealed that the manholes had remained open for an extended period without safety barriers or warning signs. Earlier, another woman had fallen in the same area but was rescued promptly by locals. 

The lack of coordination and negligence among various authorities in maintaining and repairing the drains was noted.

Following media reports on the tragedy, BLAST filed a public interest petition in the High Court, holding the Local Government Secretary, Gazipur District Commissioner, Gazipur City Corporation authorities, and the Roads and Highways Department's Chief Engineer accountable.