HC orders probe report within 90 days into woman’s death in Tongi manhole

The High Court has ordered an investigation into the death of 32-year-old Faria Tashnim Jyoti, who fell into an open manhole in Gazipur's Tongi on July 27, and directed that a report be submitted within 90 days.

The order came during the initial hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by human rights organization BLAST.

A bench comprising Justice Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Faiz Ahmed issued the directive along with a rule on Wednesday (September 3).

The court asked the Local Government Secretary, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner, Gazi City Corporation authorities, and the Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department to submit the report.

The rule also seeks explanations as to why the failure to repair and maintain drains in Tongi should not be declared illegal, and why punitive and legal action should not be taken against those responsible.

The court emphasized the need to cover all open drains and manholes nationwide, install visible warning signs, and take remedial measures to prevent similar incidents. Defendants have been instructed to respond within four weeks.

According to the PIL, Jyoti fell into an uncovered manhole in front of Imperial Eye Care Hospital near Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway at around 8:10pm on July 27. Her body was recovered 37 hours later from Kachuripana of Tongi Shalikchura Beel by a fire service diving team. Investigations by BLAST revealed that the manholes had been left open for a long time without safety fences or warning signs, and negligence by local authorities contributed to the tragedy.

Barrister Anita Gazi Rahman represented the petitioners, while Deputy Attorney General Khan Ziaur Rahman represented the state.