Nayim Hasan Nahid, a child labourer who lost his right hand while working at a workshop in Bhairab of Kishoreganj, has finally received Taka 30 lakh in compensation from his employer in compliance with a directive from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
Background of the Case
Nahid's father, Md Niyamul Hasan Anwar, used to work at a shoe store but lost his job during the coronavirus outbreak. He had to give his son Nahid for working in the workshop of Yaqub Hossain so that he could earn a little to help the family. On September 28, 2020, while working at the workshop, Nahid's right hand came under a running drill machine and his hand had to be amputated from his elbow.
Legal Proceedings
Nahid's father Anwar filed a writ with the High Court in December 2020, seeking compensation. The High Court, after a primary hearing, issued a rule on December 27, 2020, and later gave its verdict, asking the workshop owner to make two 10-year fixed deposits of Taka 15 lakh each in the name of Nahid and give him Taka 7,000 a month as his study expenses.
Appellate Division's Directive
Workshop owner Yaqub Hossain filed a leave to appeal petition against the High Court verdict. The Appellate Division, however, scrapped his plea, upholding the High Court verdict. Advocate Omar Faruk, who appeared for Nahid before the apex court, said that Yaqub Hossain had earlier paid Taka 15 lakh in two installments. He paid the remaining Taka 15 lakh through a pay order before the Appellate Division today. The court also directed that its earlier order requiring Nahid to be paid Taka 7,000 per month until he reaches the age of 18 must be implemented.
Significance and Implications
This case highlights the ongoing issue of child labour in Bangladesh and the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws to protect vulnerable children. The compensation awarded to Nahid sets a precedent for future cases and emphasizes the importance of holding employers accountable for the safety and well-being of their workers, especially minors.
