Supreme Court . File photo

DHAKA, Dec 14, 2025 (BSS) - Legal notices have been served on the authorities concerned, including the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), seeking Tk 5 crore in compensation for the family of two-year-old Sajid who died after falling into an abandoned irrigation shaft in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi. 

The notice also urged to take steps to secure other abandoned tube well pits.

Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Md Monirul Islam sent the notice, stating that hundreds of abandoned and unprotected tube wells in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts pose a serious risk to public safety.

"The tragic death of child Sajid, who fell into an abandoned tube well in Koelhat Purba Para village of Tanore upazila in Rajshahi, is a clear reflection of negligence of duty and administrative indifference on the part of the concerned authorities," the notice said.

The notice alleges violation of the right to life and personal liberty as guaranteed under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution and demands implementation of necessary directives within 15 days.

These include identifying and surveying all abandoned tube wells, sealing, filling or permanently closing them at state expense, taking legal action against those involved in illegal tube well drilling, formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe tube well management, ensuring strict monitoring to prevent unauthorised installation of tube wells, and initiating departmental action against officials found negligent in their duties.

It was further stated that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated time would result in filing the matter as public interest litigation (PIL) before the High Court Division.

The toddler fell into the abandoned shaft on December 10 and was recovered 32 hours later. He was later declared dead after being taken to a nearby health facility.