Bangladesh saw 443 road accidents in October this year, claiming the lives of 469 people and injuring 837 others. Among the deceased were 74 women and 66 children. A total of 208 motorbike-related accidents led to 196 deaths, comprising 41.79% of the total fatalities, with a motorbike accident rate of 46.95%. Besides, 102 pedestrians (21.74%) and 67 vehicle operators or their assistants (14.28%) were killed. During the same period, four maritime accidents caused seven deaths and injured three, while 21 railway incidents resulted in 18 fatalities and six injuries. The Road Safety Foundation compiled this report based on data from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, various electronic media, and its internal records. Fatalities by Vehicle Type The breakdown of fatalities by vehicle reveals that motorbike riders or passengers accounted for 196 deaths (41.79%), bus passengers for 31 (6.60%), and occupants of trucks, covered vans, pickups, trolleys, or lorries for 20 (4.26%). Private car, microbus, and ambulance passengers comprised 12 (2.55%), while passengers on three-wheelers (e.g., autorickshaws, CNGs, tomtoms) accounted for 94 deaths (20.04%). Locally manufactured vehicles (such as Nosimon and Korimon) were involved in 10 deaths (2.13%), with bicyclists and rickshaw passengers making up 4 deaths (0.85%). Accident Location by Road Type The Road Safety Foundation’s analysis shows that 173 (39.05%) of the incidents occurred on national highways, 162 (36.56%) on regional roads, 64 (14.44%) on rural roads, and 38 (8.57%) in urban areas, with six accidents (1.35%) at other unspecified locations. Types of Accidents The incidents included 112 (25.28%) head-on collisions, 171 (38.60%) incidents caused by loss of control, 104 (23.47%) incidents of pedestrians being struck, 42 (9.48%) rear-end collisions, and 14 (3.16%) caused by other factors. Vehicles Involved in Accidents Of the vehicles involved, trucks, covered vans, pickups, tractors, trolleys, lorries, and drum trucks were involved in 25.48% of accidents. Read: 426 deaths, 813 injuries in road crashes during September, says Road Safety Foundation Microbuses, private cars, ambulances, and jeeps accounted for 4.39%, passenger buses for 14.48%, motorbikes for 28.07%, and three-wheelers (such as auto-rickshaws) for 17.59%. Locally manufactured vehicles represented 5.43%, bicycles and rickshaws made up 1.81%, and unidentified vehicles were involved in 2.71%. Number of Vehicles Involved A total of 773 vehicles were involved, including 112 buses, 119 trucks, 22 covered vans, 25 pickups, seven tractors, six trolleys, nine lorries, eight drum trucks, one 18-wheeler lorry, 12 microbuses, 14 private cars, five ambulances, three jeeps, 217 motorbikes, 136 three-wheelers, 42 locally manufactured vehicles, 14 bicycles or rickshaws, and 21 unidentified vehicles. Time of Day Analysis An analysis of the time distribution indicates that 5.41% of accidents occurred at dawn, 26.63% in the morning, 16.93% in the afternoon, 15.57% in the evening, 9.25% around dusk, and 26.18% at night. Accident Statistics by Division The divisional statistics reveal that Dhaka Division recorded 29.57% of the accidents and 30.70% of the fatalities. Rajshahi Division accounted for 15.34% of accidents and 13.85% of fatalities, while Chattogram Division saw 17.83% of accidents and 17.27% of deaths. Khulna Division had 9% of accidents and 8.10% of deaths, while Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh divisions experienced lower figures ranging from 4.06% to 10.83% for accidents and 5.33% to 11.08% for fatalities. The highest number of accidents occurred in Dhaka Division, with 131 incidents resulting in 144 fatalities. The fewest accidents occurred in Sylhet Division, with 22 incidents and 24 deaths. Within individual districts, Chattogram saw the highest numbers, with 34 accidents and 39 deaths, while Magura, Jhalokathi, Barguna, and Panchagarh reported accidents without any fatalities. In the capital, Dhaka, 29 road accidents resulted in 21 deaths and 34 injuries. Read more: 467 lives lost on roads across country in Nov: Road Safety Foundation Occupational Analysis of Deceased According to published media data, the fatalities included three police officers, two Ansar members, nine teachers from various educational institutions, and four journalists. The Road Safety Foundation urged all stakeholders to consider these statistics and take immediate steps to improve road safety.

Bangladesh saw 60,980 road accidents, leading to 105,338 deaths and 149,847 injuries, between 2014 and September 2024, said the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity on Monday. The Association came up with the shocking statistics during a discussion meeting held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, marking the National Road Safety Day 2024. Association's Secretary-General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, attributed the rampant road accidents and chaos in the transport sector to the mismanagement of the Ministry of Road Transport over the past 11 years. He said the road transport sector in Bangladesh witnessed severe corruption, chaos, extortion and mismanagement during the past decade under the Awami League's rule. Mozammel Haque specifically pointed out that during Obaidul Quader’s tenure as the minister, lawlessness, irregularities, corruption and extortion in the transport sector increased manifold. Even after the change of government following the student and public protests, the Ministry of Road Transport and policymakers at the BRTA have continued the fascist practices that plagued the previous regime. Read: Road accidents claim 498 lives in Sept: Jatri Kalyan Samity During the event, he said, "No effective measures have been taken to reduce passenger fares or establish order in the roads. To resolve the crisis in the transport sector, comprehensive reforms are needed, and for this, it is essential to form a reform commission for the transport sector." The grim statistics were further elaborated by Mozammel Haque, who said that over the past 11 years, 88,127 vehicles were involved in road accidents, including 20,549 trucks, pickups, and lorries, 20,124 motorcycles, and 15,301 buses. He said accidents occurred on national highways (31.76%), regional highways (37.59%), and feeder roads (22.54%). Haque also mentioned that the association has faced pressure from the Awami League government when publishing their road accident reports. Read more: 35,384 killed in road, railway, waterway accidents since 2019 He alleged that they were subjected to lawsuits, attacks, and harassment for exposing the grim reality of road accidents under the current regime.

The month of September saw 493 road accidents in Bangladesh, leaving 498 people dead and 978 injured, according to a report by Jatri Kalyan Samity. Samity General Secretary Mohammad Mozammel Haque Chowdhury shared the findings at a press conference in the capital on Thursday.     The report says there were 40 railway accidents that claimed the lives of 37 people, while four were injured. Besides, 14 accidents on waterways left 19 people dead, 56 injured and 47missing. According to the report, motorcycle accidents accounted for 195 deaths and 149 injuries, representing 38.94% of total accidents, 39.15% of fatalities and 15.23% of injuries. 35,384 killed in road, railway, waterway accidents since 2019 Chattogram Division experienced the highest number of road accidents in September, with 116 accidents resulting in 109 deaths and 251 injuries, while Barishal Division reported the least, with only 26 accidents, leading to 23 deaths and 48 injuries. Victim Demographics The report indicates that among those who lost their lives in road accidents this month were 10 members of law enforcement, 109 drivers, 87 pedestrians, 49 transport workers, 51 students, 12 teachers, 68 women, and 56 children. Among the 792 vehicles involved in accidents, motorcycles comprised 27.52%, trucks and pickups 21.71%, and buses 13.25%. Causes of Accidents The Jatri Kalyan Samity attributed the primary causes of road accidents to lack of traffic police presence, absence of road signs and street lighting, insufficient training signs for new drivers, vehicle defects and violations of traffic laws and driving against traffic flow, inexperienced drivers and unfit vehicles. Recommendations for Prevention To reduce the number of accidents, the association made a number of recommendations, including halting the import and registration of smaller vehicles, installing proper lighting on highways, initiating training programmes for drivers and curbing extortion on the roads.  

Five people including four members of a family were killed in separate road accidents in Mirsarai and Hathazari upazilas of Chattogram on Tuesday, In Mirsarai, a truck crashed into a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in the Khoiyachhora area, leaving all its four passengers, including a child, dead on the spot when they were on their way to attend an event in Sitakunda. The auto-rickshaw got smashed and truck fell into a roadside ditch after the crash, said police and witnesses. 20 dead, 24 injured in Sylhet division road accidents in Sept The deceased were identified as Kajol Rekha, Nurjahan, Shirina, and 7-month-old infant Nihat. Sohel Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Jorarganj Highway Police Station, said they went to spot upon receiving news of the accident and recovered the bodies. In a separate incident in Hathazari upazila, Mohammad Azwad Mahin, a madrasha student, was killed after being hit by a speeding bus on the Chittagong-Khagrachhari road. Following the accident, fellow madrasa students and local residents blocked the road in protest. Police later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

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

Although all quarters agree on the demand for risk-free roads, the rate of accidents has not yet come down to a tolerable level. Instead, several fatal accidents are happening every day across the country. Around 16 major causes have been identified behind these accidents, according to a press release from the Shipping and Communications Reporters Forum (SCRF) today. After 17 people died and at least 30 others were injured when a passenger bus lost control and fell into a pond in Jhalakathi on Saturday, questions over road safety have again emerged, the press release said. SCRF demands exemplary punishment for journalist Nadim's murderers According to SCRF, 2,898 people died and 4,720 were injured in 2,781 road accidents across the country in the first six months of this year. Among them, 1,079 motorcycle accidents killed 1,088 people. 60 percent of Dhaka’s Eid holidaymakers to go by road: SCRF The SCRF observation says that the government's policymaking body is sincere in preventing road accidents. However, there is also a lack of accountability from some officials and employees of the concerned government organisations. The influence of owners and labour leaders in the transport sector, interference from political leaders including public representatives, and a lack of awareness among drivers, workers, passengers, and pedestrians are also responsible for accidents. 90 lakh Eid holidaymakers to leave Dhaka by road: SCRF SCRF identified 16 major causes of road accidents: unfit vehicles; unskilled, unaware and unwell drivers; reckless driving; overtaking in violation of prevailing law and regulations; exhausted drivers and helpers due to no fixed weekend leave and working hours; dilapidated roads; significant number of risky turning points on national highways and inter-district roads; large number of motorcycles used commercially on long-distance roads; slow-moving three wheelers on highways; unskilled youths and minors on motorcycles; lack of capacity of the BRTA and irregularities and corruption of many officials and employees concerned; poor traffic management and shortage of highway police and other resources; lack of awareness and knowledge of traffic laws among the general public; tendency of drivers and pedestrians to disobey traffic laws; laxity of authorities concerned in enforcing existing laws; and extortion from vehicles at terminals and several roads, including highways.    

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that despite the price hike of essentials around the world, Bangladesh is still in a better position compared to many others. Quader, also Awami League general secretary, made the remark today during a briefing on current issues at the ministry's meeting room in the Secretariat. “This rise in prices is not just limited to Bangladesh; it is happening all over the world, including in countries like France and Germany,” he said. He also said that the government is making sincere efforts to address this problem, and commodity prices have already gone down, with further decease expected. Quader also mentioned that irregularities and price manipulation are not new issues in Bangladesh and they happen during Ramadan. “But the government is taking action against such practices,” he said. Read more: Govt's power price hike an 'anti-people' decision: Fakhrul Regarding criticism that initiatives against syndicates have not yielded result yet, the minister said that if results were not achieved, Bangladesh would not be considered a success by others. He pointed out that despite challenges, Bangladesh has made significant progress and has received praise from world leaders such as the presidents of US, China and Russia. On another note, Quader said it is not appropriate to evaluate the success or failure of a ministry solely based on road accidents. When asked about his ability to improve road safety, he responded by drawing attention to the high number of accidents and fatalities that occur in countries such as India and Saudi Arabia. “Yesterday over 20 people died in a road accident in Saudi Arabia. What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? A blown tyre can cause accidents and lead to such devastating outcome,” he said. Quader emphasized that accidents are a common occurrence worldwide and cannot overshadow the numerous successful projects implemented during the government's tenure. Read more: Govt to soon fix prices of 9 daily essentials He also suggested that incidents of high success of the government may be targeted by critics. Quader went on to discuss the revision of the RPO, final approval of which is pending.  

Two people were killed and four others injured in  separate road accidents in Sirajganj's Sadar and Raiganj upazilas on Friday night and Saturday morning. In Sadar upazila, an engineer of the Bangabandhu Railway Bridge project was killed after being hit by a truck in Mulibari Railgate area on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Hamidur Rahman, 28, son of Chand Mandol of Kumiradanga village of Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha district. The accident occurred when the truck hit Hamidur, leaving him dead on the spot, said Md. Humayun Kabir, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station. A case was filed in this regard, added the OC. Also Read: 3 family members among 5 dead in accident involving truck, pick-up and microbus on Dhaka-Sylhet highway In another accident in Raiganj, a man was killed and four others suffered injuries after a bus rammed a rickshaw van on Saturday, police said. The deceased Kanai Haldar,30, son of Shri Rampada Haldar of Kalinja Haladarpara village of Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj. Police said the accident occurred in the morning as they were going to Sadar upazila from Kalinja of Raiganj upazila in the van along with others. When they reached the town's court mosque area, the speeding bus hit their vehicle, killing Kanai Haladar on the spot, he added. Among the injured, Rampada Haladar, father of the deceased Kanai Haladar was sent to Bogura in critical condition. Three others were admitted to the Bongamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib General Hospital in Sirajganj, said the OC.  

Three people were killed in road accidents in Khulna and Magura districts on Tuesday morning. In Khulna, two people died in separate accidents that took place at Parchalna village of Chalna municipality in Dakope upazila and on Notun Rasta Mor area in the city. According to locals, a woman died after being hit by a speeding motorcycle in front of her house at around 11 am at Parchalna village. Read more: Bangladesh sees 9,951 road accident deaths in 2022, highest in 8yrs: Report Parul Biswas, 60, was seriously injured and later died on the way to a hospital. In another road accident at around 9 am motorcyclist  Aksar, 26  was killed following a collision with a tank lorry in the city, said Kazi Kamal, officer-in-charge of Daulatpur Police Station. The driver and helper of the tank lorry flee the scene immediately. In Magura, Md Pappu, 19, a  college student, was killed in a collision between two motorcycles in Sreepur upazila of the district. Read more: Mother, daughter among 3 killed in Faridpur road crash Officer-in-charge of the Sreepur police station Shukdev Roy said Pappuwas seriously injured following the collision. Later he died at Faridpur Medical College and Hospital.

At least five people were killed in road accidents in Gopalganj, Habiganj and Rajbari districts on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. In Gopalganj, two people were killed when their motorcycle crashed into a roadside tree on Dhaka-Khulnahighway in Sadar upazila early Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Maruf, 32, of Chaltabunia village of Morrelganj upazila of Bagerhat and his brother-in-law Bayjid Talukdar,18, son of Alam Talukdar of the same upazila. Khan Shariful Islam, inspector of Bhatiapara Highway Police Station, said Maruf and Bayjid were going home from Dhaka on a motorcycle. Read: Biker, pillion rider dead in Kushtia road accident Due to the dense fog, their motorbike hit the tree around 6:30am, leaving them dead on the spot. Police recovered bodies and sent them to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital morgue, added the inspector. In Rajbari, an Ansar member was killed after being hit by a speeding truck in Rajbari's Goalanda upazila on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Rabiul Islam alias Sunny,25, son of Haider Sheikh of Pirojpur municipality. He was an Ansar member of Pirojpur Sadar Upazila. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Goalanda Mor Ahosthanadipur Highway Police StationTariqul Islam said when Sunny reached rail gate area around 10:00 pm the Dhaka-bound speeding truck hit him, leaving him seriously injured. Read: Tourist dies in Cox’s Bazar Locals rescued him and took him to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared him dead on arrival. On information, police recovered the body and handed it over to his family, added the OC. The driver managed to escape with the truck after the accident. In another accident in Habiganj, two cousins were killed as their motorcycle collided with a covered van in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj Tuesday night. The deceased were identified as Sohag Mia,17, son of Aptah Hossain of Madhya Bejura village, and his cousin Shuvo Miah,18, son of Imam Hossain. Their motorcycle collided with a Dhaka-bound covered van coming from the opposite side, leaving the duo severely injured, said Mainul Islam Bhuiya, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shaistaganj Highway Police Station. They were announced dead when they were taken to upazila health complex, he said. On information, police recovered the bodies and sent those to Habiganj Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, added the OC.