DNCC cleaner killed on duty in road crash

A Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) cleaner was killed in a road accident while on duty in Middle Badda on Friday, prompting the authorities to announce financial assistance for her family and pledge stricter action against unfit vehicles and unlicensed drivers.

The victim was identified as Shefali Begum, a cleaner of the Dhaka North City Corporation.

Following the incident, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmad Sohel Monjur, the local MP and DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan visited the victim's family, expressed condolences and announced financial assistance.

The DNCC administrator said the family would receive Tk400,000 in financial assistance along with an amount equivalent to one year's salary.

Speaking to reporters, Shafiqul Islam Khan said legal action would be taken against unfit vehicles and drivers who are unskilled or do not possess valid driving licences. He said the DNCC would discuss the matter with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

He also said strict action would be taken against reckless drivers to help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Shafiqul Islam said DNCC cleaners work day and night to keep the city clean and deserve a safe working environment. He assured sanitation workers of the corporation's continued support.

Replying to a question, he said any DNCC vehicle found to have been driven by an unskilled driver or a helper would be investigated and appropriate action taken. However, he added that, to his knowledge, no DNCC vehicle is operated by helpers or untrained drivers.