A Chinese team arrived in Dhaka to investigate the tragic accident that took place in Uttara Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming.

"The delegation is ready to provide necessary assistance to the inquiry committee constituted by the Road Transport and Highways Department," he said during his courtesy meeting with Road Transport and Highways Department Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Noori on Thursday (18 August) at the secretariat.

The Chinese envoy, however, said that China will not object to any actions against China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC).

He also expressed his grief and condolences to the families of the victims, said a press release from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. 

Regarding the Chinese inquiry committee, Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Noori told The Business Standard, "As the issue is related to the Chinese company and the delegation also is from China, the committee's investigation will be carried out separately." 

He also said, "We will rely on our probe reports only. If we are satisfied with ours, we won't seek their findings, though they are willing to cooperate and help us if we need." 

Replying to a query, he said, "In case we require their reports, we will take a decision then. In that case, we have to maintain certain protocols and follow certain steps."

In the meeting with the Chinese envoy, Amin Ullah Noori said the entire nation is saddened by the tragic accident.

He continued that safety is the most important aspect of any development work, which consists of incident investigation.

"We have included an expert from BUET in the committee. It will submit a report within the next 7 days. Strict actions will be taken if recommended by the probe committee", he added. 

On 15 August, a girder of the Uttara BRT-3 project fell on a moving car, killing five of a family on the spot and injuring two others. 

The investigation committee formed in this incident blamed the Chinese contractor in the initial investigation.

A case was filed against the Chinese contractor for the BRT-3 Elevated Expressway. 

Afran Mondal Babu, brother of one of the people killed in the accident, filed the case against the company under sections 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304 (causing death by negligence) of the Penal Code with Uttara West police station on Monday midnight.

Li Jiming / china / Uttara Trane Accident

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