Tk5cr compensation sought for child’s death in abandoned tube well

A legal notice has been served to the concerned authorities seeking Tk5 crore in compensation following the death of a two-year-old child who fell into an abandoned and unprotected tube well in Rajshahi’s Barind region.

The notice was sent on Sunday (14 December) by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Md Monirul Islam Mia, alleging negligence and administrative indifference on the part of the authorities.

It also demands immediate measures to identify and permanently seal or fill all abandoned tube wells to prevent further accidents.

According to the notice, hundreds of unprotected and abandoned tube wells across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts pose serious risks, particularly to children. The recent death of Sajid in Koelhat Purba Para village of Tanore upazila highlighted the gravity of the danger.

The notice cites violations of Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to life and personal liberty, and asks the authorities to implement several directives within 15 days. These include conducting surveys to identify abandoned tube wells, taking legal action against illegal drilling, introducing standard operating procedures for safe tube well management, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and initiating departmental action against officials found negligent.

The notice warns that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in the filing of a public interest litigation in the High Court Division.

The Two-year-old Sajid fell into the shaft on Wednesday (10 December) and was pronounced dead around 10pm on Thursday, around an hour after the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) rescued him.