A construction worker was killed and at least two others reportedly suffered life-altering injuries in a series of accidents at an under-construction high-rise building in Dhaka’s Bashundhara Residential Area over the past six to seven months, raising serious questions about workplace safety at the site.The latest incident occurred on August 6 when a metal rod came into contact with a high-voltage power line near the building, electrocuting worker Shahidul Islam, 30, and seriously injuring another worker, Ershadul.The building, being constructed by Building Technology & Ideas Ltd (BTI), is located on Avenue 5 in Block K of Bashundhara Residential Area, at plots 176 and 177.Witnesses alleged that adequate safety barriers had not been installed around the high-voltage power line in front of the building. They also claimed that essential safety arrangements, including safety nets, fall-protection systems, railings or barricades, and personal protective equipment (PPE), were inadequate.They further alleged that no effective measures were taken to strengthen worker safety even after an earlier accident at the same construction site.Delay in taking injured workers to hospitalAccording to witnesses, several workers were working on the fourth floor around noon on August 6 when a metal rod came into contact with the high-voltage power line.Shahidul was electrocuted and thrown onto a second-floor ledge, while Ershadul fell to the ground and sustained serious injuries.Witnesses alleged that the two injured workers were not immediately taken to hospital and were kept inside the building for a considerable period.Shahidul was reportedly taken to hospital only after he died, while Ershadul was taken for treatment later.Shahidul was from Hatibandha in Lalmonirhat and was the sole earning member of his family, according to relatives. He left behind three young children.Ershadul suffered fractures to his hands and legs and also sustained serious injuries to his waist. He is reportedly receiving treatment at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.Earlier accident reported in JuneLocal residents and construction workers said another worker was seriously injured at the same site on June 27 after a metal rod came into contact with a power line.The worker reportedly suffered severe injuries to his hands and legs and became permanently disabled. A video of that incident is reportedly available with the reporter.Workers and caretakers at nearby buildings also claimed that another worker died during the early stages of construction, although his identity could not be independently verified.Witnesses further alleged that following accidents, some workers were sent to other projects or returned home, making it difficult to obtain information about the incidents.Some workers were also allegedly intimidated and discouraged from speaking about the accidents.Conflicting accounts at construction siteWhen the reporter visited the site after the August 6 accident, the gate of the under-construction building was found closed.After entering and identifying himself as a journalist, the reporter asked those present about the incident. They claimed that nobody had died and that two workers had sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital.Project engineer Md Wadud could not provide a satisfactory explanation when asked why adequate safety barriers had not been installed, according to the report.He later said BTI had reached a settlement with the deceased worker's family and paid them compensation on the day of the accident.Questions over body handover and police caseThe inquest report for Shahidul identifies his parents as Nesar Uddin and Farida Begum. It names Faridul Islam as the person who identified and received the body, describing him as Shahidul's brother.However, allegations have emerged that someone else was presented as Shahidul's brother to complete the process of filing an unnatural death case and receiving the body.There are also allegations of collusion between BTI and officials of Vatara Police Station. These allegations could not be independently verified.Wadud's statements regarding the handover of the body also appeared contradictory. He initially said the body was not handed over to Shahidul's brother, but later said it had been handed over to his brother.Vatara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mazharul Islam said an unnatural death case had been filed over the incident. He also said two separate cases could not be filed over the same incident.However, questions have been raised over inconsistencies between the statements of the OC and investigation officer SI Belal regarding the identity of the person who identified the body.Journalist alleges threatsA journalist who went to the construction site to gather information about the accident has also alleged intimidation.According to the journalist, he received abusive messages from a foreign number on WhatsApp, including threats against his wife and children.He also alleged that several people went to the vicinity of his residence and attempted to collect information about him. He further claimed that several people travelling in a black microbus later remained near his residence and the residence of one of his associates in an apparent attempt to intimidate them.Concerned about the safety of himself and his family, the journalist filed a general diary with Vatara Police Station.He alleged that the high-voltage power line in front of the building had no adequate safety barrier and that proper safety measures following the June 27 accident could have prevented the August 6 incident.BTI's responseBTI Managing Director Faizur Rahman Khan was contacted several times for comments regarding the accidents, worker safety and the assistance provided to Shahidul's family.He did not answer the calls. No response was received to a text message either.Project engineer Wadud said BTI had reached a settlement with the deceased worker's family and made a payment on the day of the accident.However, Shahidul's family said BTI had neither contacted them nor provided them with any assistance.The repeated accidents at the same construction site, allegations of inadequate safety measures, the reported delay in taking injured workers to hospital, and questions surrounding the handover of the body and the unnatural death case warrant an independent investigation.The investigation should establish why adequate safety measures were not put in place after the earlier accident, what protection was provided around the high-voltage power line, and why medical treatment for the injured workers was allegedly delayed.