Questions Failure to Ensure Pedestrian Safety
BM Desk:
The Bangladesh High Court has sharply criticized the failure of authorities to safeguard pedestrians, raising questions in the wake of Dipu Sana’s tragic death. Sana, an official at the central bank, Bangladesh Bank, met his untimely end when a falling brick from a building struck him on his way home from work.
In a stinging ruling, Justices Mustafa Zaman Islam and Md. Atabullah questioned why the government’s inability to provide basic protection and secure footpaths shouldn’t be declared illegal in light of Sana’s accident. This bold statement highlights the court’s deep concern about the lax safety measures for ordinary citizens in Dhaka.
Advocate Muhammad Safwan Karim, representing the petitioner, brought Sana’s case to the attention of the court. Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state in the hearing.
Sana’s death on January 10 sent shockwaves through the city. While walking under a building in the Mouchak Market area, a fragment of brick dislodged and struck him on the head, causing fatal injuries. This shocking incident sparked outrage and renewed calls for better pedestrian safety regulations and enforcement.
The High Court’s intervention adds significant weight to these demands. By questioning the government’s role in ensuring safe passage for its citizens, the court puts immense pressure on authorities to take concrete steps towards preventing similar tragedies.
Sana’s case is not an isolated incident. Pedestrians in Dhaka, and even many other cities in Bangladesh, face constant risks due to crumbling infrastructure, poor construction practices, and inadequate safety measures around construction sites. The High Court’s intervention in this case represents a glimmer of hope in the fight for safer streets and pedestrian-centric infrastructure in Bangladesh.