Five hurt as ceiling plaster collapses at Bagerhat court

Five men were injured after plaster collapsed from the ceiling of a veranda at the Bagerhat District and Sessions Judge Court building this afternoon.

The incident occurred around this afternoon on the ground floor veranda in front of the Kachua Court courtroom, where judicial magistrates conduct proceedings.

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The injured were identified as Habibullah Sheikh, his father Md Siraj Sheikh, Suman Das, Hridoy Hawlader, and Motaleb, all residents of different areas of Bagerhat district.

The victims said they were standing in the veranda when the plaster suddenly fell, leaving two of them with head injuries.

They were rescued and admitted to the Bagerhat 250-bed District Hospital. Hospital superintendent Dr Asim Kumar Samaddar confirmed five patients were admitted.

“Two required stitches on their heads, while the others sustained injuries to their necks and legs. They are now out of danger and will be able to return home once they fully recover,” he said.

Following the collapse, reinforcing steel rods were exposed in the ceiling, raising fears of further accidents. Amit Kumar, Nazir of the Bagerhat District Judge Court, said the Public Works Department (PWD) has been informed and will inspect the site to determine whether the building is fit for use.

MM Mahabub Morshed Lalon, public prosecutor and chief counsel of the court, said the three-storey building is old and cracks have developed in several areas. “We have requested the PWD to urgently repair the damaged sections where plaster is peeling off,” he added.