Killed in Construction Site
Double blow for victim’s family
The parents of four-year-old Tawhid Hossain, who died in an accident at a construction site, are passing miserable days hiding from the influential owner of the building.
As Tawhid’s father fish vendor Israfil Hawlader filed a case, owner of the building advocate Lutfur Rahman Babu Bhuiyan sought an anticipatory bail from the High Court and evicted the family from the slum adjacent to the construction site.
“Babu has not only driven us out but also kept all our belongings in the slum. I am now passing very hard times moving from door to door,” said Israfil.
He added Babu is also demanding Tk 15,000 he had given him for the funeral of his child. Babu also promised to compensate the family with Tk 1 lakh on an understanding that they would not go for legal action.
The owner later allegedly told Israfil that he has managed the police and secured bail from the court. He would settle the issue in the court instead of paying the compensation, Israfil alleged.
Bricks from the rooftop wall of the four-storey under-construction building fell on Tawhid, and Maruf, 6, in East Rampura on January 24.
Tawhid died on the spot, while Maruf’s scull was badly damaged. Admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Maruf, who could neither speak nor move, underwent surgery on February 9 after The Daily Star published a report on the incident the same day.
According to the Bangladesh National Building Code, the authorities concerned must ensure safety measures around a construction site.
“Babu did not allow us to enter my house when we returned four days after the burial of my son. He even forced me to leave the locality saying if we are seen in the area they will get us maimed,” alleged Israfil.
“Babu and his men had also fixed February 15 for returning the Tk 15,000 and seized my belongings,” Israfil added.
Israfil and his family have taken refuge at his younger brother Jahangir’s house.
He said he cannot buy food for his infant son or afford educational expenses for his primary student daughter as he has stopped door-to-door fish sale fearing attack by Babu and his men.
During a spot visit, The Daily Star correspondent found that though the densely populated slum was very close to the under-construction building, the owner took no safety measures.
Nobody opened the gate despite repeated attempts to meet the owner for his comment.
At one stage, some people appeared and asked the correspondent to leave at once. They said it was an accident and they have already settled the matter.
