Bangladesh has called for stronger institutions, coordinated implementation and greater accountability to accelerate global efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam made the call while co-chairing a multi-stakeholder panel session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Addressing the session, the minister said strong institutions must be complemented by effective action across the entire road transport system to deliver meaningful improvements in road safety.

Referring to the Progress Declaration, he stressed the need for close coordination among transport, health, police, finance, education, environment and local government authorities, supported by clearly defined institutional responsibilities and coherent public policies.

The minister also highlighted the role of local governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and young people in advancing road safety, saying their contributions should be guided by strong government leadership and accountability.

He urged participants to focus on translating political commitments into effective institutions, coordinated implementation and measurable reductions in road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Shaikh Rabiul Alam is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety at the UN Headquarters.

The Bangladesh delegation also includes Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, according to a PID handout.