Hatiya, Noakhali – A heart-rending tragedy struck the island upazila of Hatiya on Saturday afternoon, 10 January, when a young child lost his life after being crushed by a road roller. The victim, Mohammad Azim, a second-grade student, was killed during ongoing road construction work in Ward 4 of Hatiya Municipality.
Azim, aged approximately seven to eight years, was the son of Belal Uddin, a local farmer from West Bejugalia village. According to eyewitness accounts, the road construction had been underway since the morning, with heavy machinery, including a roller, operating in the densely populated area.
As the afternoon progressed, little Azim, driven by curiosity, approached the construction site. In a tragic lapse, his foot slipped beneath the roller, resulting in an immediate and fatal accident. He was rushed to the Hatiya Upazila Health Complex, where doctors confirmed his death on arrival.
Speaking through tears, Belal Uddin lamented, “The operator was new. I personally told him this morning to work carefully in such a crowded area. If only my advice had been heeded, my son would still be alive. I only ask for justice for my child.”
Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Saiful Alam, confirmed that authorities swiftly reached the scene and have been in communication with the grieving family. “Legal action will be taken regarding this incident,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Alauddin expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. “This is an extremely distressing event. The upazila administration and municipality will stand by the bereaved family and provide all necessary support,” he said.
The accident has cast a pall of grief over the local community, with residents expressing both shock and fear. Calls for stricter child safety measures and heightened caution at construction sites have gained renewed urgency.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Deceased Child | Mohammad Azim, second-grade student |
| Age | Approximately 7–8 years |
| Father | Belal Uddin, farmer |
| Location of Incident | Ward 4, Hatiya Municipality |
| Date & Time | 10 January, early afternoon |
| Cause | Accident involving road construction roller |
| Authorities’ Response | Legal action to be taken; support to family |
This tragic event has once again spotlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols around construction sites, particularly in areas where children frequently play. Local authorities have been urged to enforce stricter operational guidelines to prevent similar heart-breaking incidents in the future.