Unprotected canal blamed for infant’s death in Ctg: CCC probe suggests 34 fixes

A Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) investigation has blamed an unprotected section of the Hizra Canal and the absence of hazard warnings for the tragic death of six-month-old Shehriz Anabia Meherin, who fell into the canal during a rickshaw accident in April.

The probe report, submitted on Sunday (27 July) evening to Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain by committee convener and city secretary Mohammad Ashraful Amin, identified eight causes behind the incident and outlined 34 recommendations to prevent similar accidents.

The tragedy occurred on 18 April near Nawab Hotel in Kapasgola when a rickshaw carrying Shehriz, her mother Umme Salma, and grandmother Begum Ayesha lost control and plunged into the canal. While locals rescued the two women, Shehriz, who had been in her mother's arms, went missing. 

Her body was recovered the following morning from Chaktai Canal, five kilometres downstream.

According to the report, a bamboo barrier along the canal had been removed for cleaning, leaving the edge unprotected. No hazard signs were in place, making the area particularly risky during heavy rain and low visibility.

Rickshaw puller's negligence

The report also cited negligence by the rickshaw puller. 

"Despite repeated requests from Umme Salma to keep to the safer side, the driver ignored her," it said.

 After the plunge, he allegedly made no attempt to assist and instead fled after using the rickshaw to climb out, causing it to submerge completely.

The committee noted that untrained, unregulated rickshaw drivers are a persistent safety issue in urban areas.

Widening urban risks

The CCC report highlighted that canal and drain-related fatalities are among Chattogram's most pressing seasonal hazards, alongside waterlogging and landslides. At least 17 people have died in similar accidents between 2017 and 2025, including a three-year-old who fell into an open drain in Agrabad on 9 July.

Poor road design, violations of building regulations, and indiscriminate waste dumping that clogs canals were also cited as key contributors to the risks. The report noted that Shehriz's body was found lodged in garbage, underscoring the danger of unchecked waste disposal. It also criticised the lack of an emergency response system, as it took nearly 14 hours to recover the child's body.

34 recommendations for safety

The committee proposed immediate, short, medium, and long-term measures, including forming a permanent monitoring body led by the mayor and comprising agencies such as WASA, CDA, and the Port Authority. This body would meet quarterly to review progress and publish public reports.

Other immediate measures include quick-response rescue teams, installation of safety barriers, and hazard signs near canals and drains. Short-term steps involve creating a central helpline, strengthening urban planning units, and training rickshaw drivers.

Medium- and long-term plans call for safety fencing along canals, concrete slabs over drains, canal restoration, introduction of navigable waterways, and development of an integrated urban master plan to coordinate canals, roads, and housing projects.

Mayor Shahadat Hossain said temporary bamboo barriers and concrete slabs had already been installed at danger points and public awareness campaigns launched. "Both short- and long-term recommendations will be implemented with urgency," he assured.

CCC report warns that without urgent reforms, the city will continue to face preventable tragedies.