DHAKA, Feb 23, (V7N) - The High Court on Monday directed authorities to seal all abandoned deep tube-well shafts across the country within three months, following the deaths of several children who fell into open shafts in different areas.

The HC bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Mohammad Monir Uddin. The Local Government Division and other authorities have been asked to implement the directive.

The petition cited tragic incidents, including the death of child Jihad in 2014 at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony, Sajid in December 2025 in Tanore, Rajshahi, and Misbah in January 2026 in Raozan, Chattogram. These cases highlighted the dangers posed by abandoned shafts.

The court also ordered closure of secondary schools during Ramadan.

Separately, reports noted the arrest of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader in Patuakhali with Tk 50 lakh.

END/AJ/RH