Abul Kalam, who died in metro accident, 'wanted to escape from life'

Abul Kalam Azad, 36, was fatally struck by a falling bearing pad from a metro rail pillar in Dhaka’s Farmgate area. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on Sunday in front of the Krishibid Institute. 

Azad, son of Abdul Jalil Chokdar from Ishwarkathi village, Naria upazila, Shariatpur, was hit on the head by the heavy metal part, according to eyewitnesses. Locals rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Azad, a Jagannath University graduate, ran a travel agency in Dhaka and frequently visited Farmgate for business and personal reasons. 

The youngest of four brothers, he lived in Narayanganj’s Pathantoli area with his wife and two children, Abdullah (5) and Suraiya Akhter (3), and was the family’s sole breadwinner.

About 15 hours before the accident, Azad posted on Facebook, “I wish so much, if only I could escape from life for now.” 

His elder’s brother wife, Asma Akhter, recounted their last conversation around noon, where he mentioned returning home soon and asked her to buy hilsa fish. 

She was devastated to learn of his death hours later and demanded a fair investigation and trial, emphasising his role as the family’s provider.

Azad’s cousin, Abdul Gani Mia Chokder, described him as a hardworking individual who built his business through personal effort. 

He attributed the death to government negligence and urged support for Azad’s family.

Naria Upazila Executive Officer Abdul Qayyum Khan expressed condolences and confirmed that the family would receive compensation as per government guidelines.