HC to rule on two writs over Metro Rail bearing pad death tomorrow
The petitions seek compensation for the victim’s family and the formation of an independent committee to examine the quality and safety of bearing pads used in all metro rail and flyover structures_
The High Court will deliver its order tomorrow (29 October) on two writ petitions filed in the wake of a fatal accident at Dhaka's Farmgate, where a pedestrian was killed by a falling bearing pad from the metro rail line.
The petitions seek compensation for the victim's family and the formation of an independent committee to examine the quality and safety of bearing pads used in all metro rail and flyover structures across Bangladesh.
The bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Fatema Anwar heard the petitions today (28 October), with Advocate AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon representing the petitioners.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
One petition, filed in the public interest by Supreme Court lawyer Tanvir Ahmed, sought compensation for the family of the deceased, Abul Kalam Azad. The other, submitted by Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun, requested the formation of a technical committee to assess the safety standards of bearing pads in public infrastructure projects.
Following the hearing, Advocate Khokon told reporters that both petitions were heard together and would be addressed in a single order. He added, "We have sought directives over negligence by the authorities and contractors, violation of fundamental rights, administrative failures, and compensation for the victim's family, along with the formation of a high-powered, independent committee."
Barrister Mamun personally argued his case, urging the court to mandate a review of the quality of all bearing pads used in the country's metro rail and flyover projects to prevent future accidents.
The incident occurred around 12:30pm on Sunday when 35-year-old Abul Kalam Azad was walking near the Farmgate metro station. A bearing pad fell from pillar number 433, striking him on the head and killing him instantly.
The government has since pledged Tk5 lakh in compensation and employment for one family member. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has also formed a five-member committee to investigate the accident.
The victim's wife, Irin Akhter Priya, filed a case at Tejgaon Police Station on Sunday (26 October) night.
