A four-year-old child died after falling into an uncovered septic tank at a house in Fatikchhari upazila of Chattogram on Wednesday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Md Sayeed, son of local resident Akhtar Hossain. He was a student in the infant class at a local educational institution.
The incident took place at the house of Golap Chowdhury in Sundarpur union while Sayeed was playing with other children.
According to local sources, the child accidentally fell into the septic tank while playing. His uncle then tied a rope around himself, climbed down into the tank and rescued him.
He was immediately taken to Fatikchhari Upazila Health Complex, where the duty doctor declared him dead.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the septic tank had remained uncovered for around six months. Despite repeated warnings to the house owner, no steps had been taken to secure it.
Local residents said the tragedy could have been avoided if the tank had been properly covered and demanded an investigation into possible negligence.
The house is owned by Maulana Shamsul Islam, superintendent of a local madrasa. Attempts to contact him by phone and text message for his comment went unanswered.
The child’s death sparked widespread grief and anger in the locality. Residents questioned why no safety measures had been taken despite the long-standing risk and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Md Rabiul Alam Khan, officer-in-charge of Bhujpur Police Station, said legal procedures following the recovery of the body were under way.
He added that police were investigating the allegations of negligence and would take necessary action if the family filed a complaint against anyone.
