How Long Will Bangladesh’s Roads Remain Deadly?

Seven-year-old Fahim from Tangail’s Ghatail upazila faced a heartbreaking loss when a tragic road accident left him orphaned. His family, traveling to Dhaka for his brother’s medical treatment, was involved in a horrific crash on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar. Two buses struck the ambulance, causing an explosion. The crash claimed four of Fahim’s family members, while 15 others were injured.

Fahim's life, already challenging due to his family’s absence, is now filled with uncertainty as he copes with this unimaginable tragedy.

In another deadly incident, five family members lost their lives when their car was hit by a speeding bus at the Dhaleswari Toll Plaza on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway. The driver, Md Nurunnabi, was arrested the following day. Investigations revealed he lacked a valid license and the bus was operating without a fitness certificate.

These incidents are just a fraction of the countless lives lost on Bangladesh's roads. "Without urgent intervention from the authorities, such heartbreaking stories will continue," said Nurul Huda, a Dhaka resident who lost her 17-year-old brother in a crash two years ago. “Shifting blame among responsible authorities must stop. All stakeholders need to take greater responsibility.”

Alarming Statistics
The Road Safety Foundation reported that in 2024, Bangladesh saw 6,927 accidents, resulting in 7,294 deaths and 12,019 injuries. Motorcycles were involved in nearly 40% of accidents, while pedestrians accounted for 21% of fatalities.

In Dhaka alone, 394 accidents claimed 246 lives, with 482 people injured. Disturbingly, at least four entire families were wiped out in crashes last year. Road safety organizations like Jatri Kalyan Samity reported even grimmer statistics, with 8,543 fatalities and 12,608 injuries nationwide. Experts warn that the actual numbers may be even higher due to inadequate reporting systems, as deaths occurring in hospitals are often excluded.

Experts’ Insights and Recommendations
Professor Dr. Mohammad Mahbub Alam Talukder of Buet’s Accident Research Institute attributes the rising accident rates to an increase in unfit vehicles and unskilled drivers. “Motorcycles, which should not be public transport, are widely used, leading to more accidents,” he said. He also highlighted the lack of helmet use, as nearly 80% of motorcycle fatalities result from head injuries.

Saidur Rahman, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, pointed to reckless driving, high speeds, and a lack of awareness as major factors. He called for better speed monitoring, training for drivers, and public awareness campaigns. Rahman also stressed the importance of improving transport workers’ working conditions to reduce stress-induced accidents.

The Road Transport Act-2018: A Law Yet to Be Fully Enforced
The Road Transport Act-2018, introduced after student protests, promised stricter penalties for reckless driving, but transport associations’ strikes have stalled its enforcement. Despite provisions for up to five years' imprisonment for reckless driving causing deaths, its implementation remains incomplete. Professor Talukder emphasized the need for a phased, well-planned approach to enforcing the law, along with better law enforcement to prevent offenders from evading punishment.

A Global Perspective
The World Health Organization’s Road Safety Report 2023 highlights that motor vehicles often take priority over pedestrian safety. Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, noted that road crashes are the fourth leading cause of death for children in Bangladesh. He stressed that road safety is a critical development issue, as accidents not only claim lives but also hinder economic growth.

The tragic stories of Fahim and many others underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms, stronger law enforcement, and widespread public education on road safety. Without these measures, Bangladesh's roads will continue to claim lives, leaving families devastated.