Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 19, 2024) said that motorcycles and easy bikes are the leading causes of road accidents across the country. Quader made these remarks during an Eid greetings exchange at his ministry's conference room in the Secretariat at 11:30 am. "It's very unfortunate that lately, motorcycle accidents have become more frequent. Looking at the accident data, motorcycles account for the highest number of accidents, followed by easy bikes. Reckless driving also plays a significant role. We cannot ignore this. I urge the Secretary to expedite the formulation of a policy," he said. Jatri Kalyan Samity calls for end to Eid transport fare anarchy and road accidents The minister further mentioned that the lack of regulation for millions of three-wheelers and motorcycles is disrupting order on the roads, highlighting the urgent need for a policy.  "People's lives should come before livelihoods. In trying to protect livelihoods, lives are being put at risk. Those involved in electoral politics often support or endorse this. Easy bikes on highways receive a lot of support, sometimes even encouragement from behind the scenes. In Dhaka, our current regulations ensure that 98 percent of riders have helmets," the minister said. Three dead, one injured in separate road accidents in Kurigram, Gazipur Quader also noted that while the Eid journeys on roads have been relatively smooth, the return trips remain a concern. "The return journeys often receive less attention, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, we must focus on ensuring the safety of the return journeys as well." He emphasized that maintaining discipline on the roads will significantly reduce accidents. "We must prioritize discipline to reduce road accidents," Quader added. Road accidents claimed 708 lives in April: Jatri Kalyan Samity

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered a ban on the plying of electronic three wheelers, known as easy bikes, on the country’s highways to prevent road accidents. A three-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Justice Hasan Foez Siddique passed the order after hearing a petition that was presented by Barrister Tania Ameer and Advocate Maniruzzaman Asad. The ruling upheld a December 15 order of the High Court to impose a similar ban on the risky accident-prone vehicles in response to a petition filed by Bagh Eco Motors President Kazi Jashimul Islam. READ: HC orders to halt acid-based battery-run easy bikes for harmful lead Challenging the HC order leaders of Bangladesh Electric Three-Wheeler Manufacturing and Merchant Association filed a petition before the Appellate Division. The association has now lost the case.