An elderly man named Bodu Munshi (70) died while undergoing treatment after being critically injured by an excavator during a cleanliness and eviction drive conducted by the Sreepur Municipality in Gazipur.
The tragic accident took place at around 12:30 PM on Saturday (September 26) during the eviction and cleanup activities at the Garuhata field area in Sreepur municipality.
The deceased, Bodu Munshi, was a permanent resident of Bhangnahati village under Ward No. 4 of Sreepur Municipality. Immediately following the accident, locals rescued him in critical condition and rushed him to the local Upazila Health Complex.
As his condition deteriorated rapidly after primary treatment at the health complex, doctors advised transferring him to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced care, where he later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
According to local sources, the eviction of illegal structures and clearing of waste began on Saturday morning at the Garuhata field area following an administrative decision by the Sreepur Municipality. A heavy excavator was being utilized for the cleanup work when Bodu Munshi, who was standing nearby out of curiosity, was accidentally run over by the heavy machinery.
Eyewitnesses stated that no minimal security perimeter or safety measures were established for pedestrians while deploying heavy machinery and excavators in such a crowded and busy area. Residents alleged that the loss of life occurred due to a lack of proper safety protocols and supervisory negligence.
Furthermore, intense anger and questions have arisen among local residents regarding how an elderly person could get so close to the heavy vehicle during an eviction drive led by a responsible public body like the municipality.
When asked about the incident, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sreepur Police Station stated that neither the Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer nor the Municipal Administrator had formally informed the police station in advance regarding the eviction and cleanup operation conducted in the Garuhata area.
