Dhaka, Bangladesh — A family’s joy has been shattered following a tragic incident in which a heavy bearing pad from a metro rail fell and killed 35-year-old Abul Kalam Azad at Farmgate station on October 26. The incident has ignited calls for accountability and raised serious concerns about safety measures at the construction site.
Irin Akhter, the victim’s wife, expressed her profound grief, stating that the tragedy not only took her husband but also crushed their family’s dreams. The couple, parents to a three-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, had been planning a foreign trip together, a dream now lost forever. “This is not just a death; it showcases a clear negligence by authorities. Compensation won’t bring him back or heal our pain. I want justice,” she said, as she sat alongside her husband’s body, waiting for his funeral arrangements.
Abul Kalam, who worked at a travel agency, had left his passport near his body, prompting police to identify him. His brother-in-law, Sohag Ahmed, lamented the loss, emphasizing the future implications for the children. “How will financial compensation mend their broken dreams?” he questioned, highlighting the emotional toll on the family as they navigate life without their father.
The incident occurred during a time when the metro system was viewed as a beacon of progress for Dhaka, promising to ease the burden of daily commutes. However, the tragedy at Farmgate has sparked fears about the infrastructure’s safety, raising questions among the community about the measures in place to protect commuters.
Local authorities confirmed that Abul Kalam Azad hailed from Shariatpur and had moved to Narayanganj with his family in pursuit of a better life. He was known for his ambition, having previously worked abroad and recently preparing for another job overseas.
Friends and family plan to hold Abul Kalam’s funeral in Narayanganj before transporting his body to Shariatpur for burial. “He was focused on building stability for his family. Now, all of that has been taken away,” Ahmed reflected.
As investigations unfold, Irin and her family await answers about how such negligence could occur and hope for punitive measures against those responsible. The community remains on edge as they grapple with the implications of this calamity, a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in public transportation projects.