The High Court on Wednesday ordered the authorities concerned to investigate the death of a woman after falling into a manhole in Tongi of Gazipur district and submit its report within 90 days.

The HC bench of Justice Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Foyej Ahmed passed the order after hearing a petition by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST).

Secretary to the local government division, deputy commissioner of Gazipur district, Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), chief engineer of Roads and Highways Division were asked to submit the report within the timeframe.

The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the failure of the authorities concerned in repairing or maintaining the manhole should not be declared illegal.

It also issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to take punitive measures against those responsible for the death.

Besides, the HC also issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to cover the lid of all open drains and manholes in the country as soon as possible and why directives should not be given to place warning signs in visible locations.

It also issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why the reports of the investigation should not be made public.

Besides, it also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why directives should not be given to the Roads and Highways authorities to take measures in preventing the recurrence of the incident.

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Secretary to the local government division, deputy commissioner of Gazipur district, Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) authority, chief engineer of Roads and Highways Division were asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.

Senior Advocate Barrister Anita Gazi Rahman stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Khan Ziaur Rahman represented the state.

Faria Tasnim Joyti, 32, died falling into an open manhole on Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Tongi Hossain Market area of Gazipur on July 27.

Later, divers from the local fire service recovered the body of Faria from Shalikchura beel in Tongi, 37 hours after she was lost in the manhole.