Child wounded by launch in 2017 gets TK 3 lakh compensation

Jaima Newaz Tisha, a child who lost the toes on her right leg after a launch, MV Yead, hit her at Fatullah launch terminal on December 2017, has received Tk 3 lakh for treatment from the owner of the launch.

Launch owner Mamunur Rashid handed over a pay order of Tk 3 lakh through his lawyer Mizanur Rahman to Jaima's father Jamal Gazi today in line with a High Court directive, Advocate Shahinuzzaman Shahin, a lawyer for Jamal, told The Daily Star.

Following a writ petition filed by Jamal Gazi and rights organization Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK), the HC on October 28 last year ordered the concerned authorities of MV Yead to give Tk 3 lakh for Jaima's treatment.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman also issued a rule asking the concerned authorities of the government and MV Yead to explain why they should not be directed to pay Tk 50 lakh to Jaima for her treatment and sufferings.

Advocate Anisul Hasan, a lawyer for petitioners, earlier told The Daily Star that Jaima was seriously wounded after the launch hit her on December 29, 2017. She was six years old at the time.

The authorities failed to take necessary steps to punish the perpetrators, he said, adding that Jaima is still undergoing treatment. The lawyer said Jaima's father, a rickshaw-puller, cannot afford her treatment expenses.

Jamal filed a criminal case with South Keraniganj Police Station in February 2018, but no action was taken in this regard, said Advocate Hasan.