An accident at a brick kiln in Cumilla took the lives of at least 13 workers. A coal-laden truck skidded off the road and fell on a makeshift shed at the brick kiln on the early morning of January 25. Those killed were simple day labourers of the brick field. The truck driver had apparently lost control of the wheels.

This tragic incident is yet another result of reckless driving which has already taken far too many lives. The workers who were sleeping had no idea that they would be crushed over by a truck in such a ruthless manner. The truck driver fled the scene after the incident—something that happens often after an accident and anyone barely ever holds these drivers accountable.

We cannot imagine what the families of those killed in this accident are going through. And given how the justice system works in this country and the role of law enforcement agencies that often leaves one asking for more, one can only wonder whether these families will ever get justice. Sadly enough, the lives of these day labourers are not deemed “precious” as they are not wealthy or powerful.

The DC has announced a meagre compensation of Tk 20,000 for each family. Not only is this amount far from sufficient, but money cannot ever heal their wounds. What the police need to do is conduct a fair investigation into this tragic incident and bring the culprit to book.

Tania Hossain, By email