Passengers’ welfare association Jatri Kalyan Samity came up with the figure in the Road Accident Report-2020, published at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity Sunday noon.

Md Mojammel Haque Chowdhury, general secretary of the Samity, said accidents didn’t decrease on roads though Eid rushes were on a limited scale from July 26 to August 7. 

Including the casualties on rail and waterways, the death toll stood at 317 while the number of injured is 370 from 238 accidents.

The samity observed that movement of private and light vehicles saw a remarkable increase as public transports were allowed to run on a limited scale amid the coronavirus pandemic, which finally led to an increase in accidents and deaths in private transports.

The water-routes witnessed 74 deaths, 39 injuries, and 17 missing cases during the period while the rail routes recorded a single death in four accidents. 

Accidents related to motorcycles consist of 43.78 percent of the total accidents while 52.23 percent of the accidents involved heavy vehicles. 

“If these two kinds of accidents are avoided, 96.01 percent of the total accidents can be controlled,” the report added. 

The report was prepared by the members of the Road Accident Monitoring Cell of the watchdog with the help of media reports.

To improve the situation, Mojammel suggested increasing the number of buses on the highways.

“It's important to train the drivers of private vehicles, ensure transparency and accountability of the Traffic Division including the regulatory body BRTA, control small vehicles and increase public transport,” he said addressing the issues. 

BUET Assistant Professor Kazi Saifun Newaz, Editors Forum President Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, among others, were present at the occasion.

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