HC orders BREB to pay Tk10 lakh to child who lost limbs through electrocution in Satkhira
According to the victim’s family, BREB erected electric lines without any cover over the house of Abdur Razzaque, the victim’s father, in March 2021
The High Court today (22 January) ordered Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) to provide Tk10 lakh to the family of a child who lost one of his hands and legs after getting electrocuted by electric wires of BREB in Satkhira.
An HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Mubina Asaf ordered BREB to compensate the victim within one month after a hearing on a petition filed on behalf of the child by his father.
During the hearing, lawyer Mohammad Tarikul Islam moved for the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Mahfuz Bin Yousuf represented the state.
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According to the victim's family, BREB erected electric lines without any cover over the house of Abdur Razzaque, the victim's father, in March 2021.
On 9 May 2021, Razzaque's son Rakibuzzaman got electrocuted after getting in touch with the electric wires, which caused serious damage to his body, the victim's family said.
Rakibuzzaman was rushed to Satkhira Medical College Hospital immediately, from where he was shifted to Sheikh Hasina Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in the capital for better treatment, where his right hand and right leg had to be amputated, the victim's family added.
Failing to bring BREB officials to book and get compensated, the victim's father Razzaque filed a petition with the High Court.
On 8 November 2021, the HC asked the respondents what type of treatment was provided to Rakibuzzaman and if there was any need for further treatment.
During the initial hearing, the HC also asked if the victim would get any compensation, victim's family said.
During the hearing, various government high-ups, including secretary for the power, energy and mineral resources ministry and chairman of BREB, were told to respond to the HC rule within one week.
While responding to the rule, Director of Sheikh Hasina Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam said the victim needs an artificial hand and leg, which needs to be procured from Germany and Vietnam.
In the report submitted to the HC, Prof Abul Kalam stated that the child's treatment cost is around Tk2.64 crore, which has been measured through expecting that the victim, who was eight years old in 2021, will live till 2083 at least.
Contacted, victim's lawyer Tariqul Islam said, "BREB is dilly-dallying in providing the compensation. That is why we have asked for Tk10 lakh for now. The HC has ordered the defendants to compensate the victim within one month."
