2 workers in Dhaka die of electrocution

Two construction workers died after being electrocuted while working at an under-construction building in Dhaka's Demra area yesterday afternoon.

The deceased were Rafiqul Islam, 26, and Shafiqul Islam, 25, said police.

They hailed from Mirka Khamari village in Kurigram and were temporarily residing near the construction site in Bhuttu Chattar.

The incident occurred around 3:00pm on Badsha Mia Road when the two were straightening iron rods using a machine. One of the rods reportedly came into contact with a nearby electric wire, leading to the electrocution, said Yusuf Ali, father of Rafiqul and a sub-contractor.

They were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead around 5:00pm, said Inspector Faruk, in-charge of the hospital's police camp.

The bodies have been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Demra Police Station OC Mahmudur Rahman said the workers were electrocuted while working on the ground floor of the building.