Writ seeks HC order to probe authorities' ‘negligence’

A writ petition has been filed seeking a High Court (HC) order to form an independent probe body to investigate authorities' failure and inaction in maintaining the Dhaka Metro Rail, which led to the death of a pedestrian at city' Farmgate on Sunday.

Abul Kalam Azam, the pedestrian, was hit by a bearing pad that fell from one of Metro Rail piers.

The petition also sought a directive for the probe committee to submit a comprehensive report to the HC within 15 days.

Md Abdullah Al Mamun, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the petition on Monday as a public interest litigation.

In the petition, he urged the HC to issue a rule asking the respondents to explain why their inaction and failure to immediately verify and ensure the quality of bearing pads used in the metro rail and all flyovers should not be declared illegal.

The petition also sought explanation as to why the respondents' failure to establish a dedicated maintenance committee and a transparent procedure to ensure accountability in metro rail maintenance should not be considered illegal.

The respondents named in the petition include - secretary of the Ministry of Road, Transport and Bridges, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL), executive director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), and Italian-Thai Development Company Ltd.

The victim, Abul Kalam Azad, 35, died on the spot around 12:30pm on Sunday when a heavy bearing pad fell from pillar 433 on the west side of the Farmgate metro station.

Lawyer Abdullah Al Mamun said the incident highlights the authorities' failure to protect citizens' constitutional right to life and safety.

He filed the petition after obtaining permission from the HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan, which may hear the petition today (Tuesday).

The lawyer also said the authorities took no action even after reports surfaced about the use of sub-standard bearing pads in the metro rail.

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