Worker dies in fall at Khulna Cancer Hospital

A construction worker died after falling from the upper floor of the under-construction Khulna Cancer Hospital building inside the Khulna Medical College Hospital campus on Tuesday.

According to witnesses, the worker fell from the top floor while working at the site in the morning and sustained critical injuries. Fellow workers rushed him for medical assistance, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.

Workers at the site alleged that adequate safety measures were not ensured during construction. They claimed that labourers often work without basic protective equipment such as helmets and safety harnesses, raising serious concerns over workplace safety.

The Khulna Cancer Hospital project, originally scheduled for completion and handover in 2023, remains unfinished in 2026. The incomplete structure now stands as a delayed public health infrastructure project, despite its significance for cancer treatment in the region.

The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Khulna Public Works Department (PWD). The prolonged delay and the recent fatal accident have sparked questions regarding project management, safety compliance, and monitoring.

Local observers and civil society members have called for a proper investigation into the incident and accountability for any negligence involved.

They also urged authorities to take immediate steps to complete the hospital and make it operational without further delay.

They emphasized that development should not merely focus on constructing buildings but must also prioritize the safety and lives of the people involved.