The number of road accidents in the country rose by 56% and fatalities by 57% in June compared to May, according to Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, a passengers’ welfare organization.
During this time, 368 people were killed and 518 others injured in 358 road, railway and waterway accidents. Fifteen people were killed in 20 accidents on the railways and 45 died in 17 accidents on the waterways, the organization said in a report on Sunday.
The report was published after analysing accident reports published in the country's national and regional dailies and online media.
Among those killed in road accidents in June, 162 were drivers, 125 transport workers, 113 pedestrians, 62 women, 57 law enforcement members, 28 children, 23 students, 11 political leaders and seven teachers, a doctor, a freedom fighter, and an engineer.
The statistics show that 48.6% of the total accidents in June were on regional highways, 31.56% on national highways and 13.96% on feeder roads.
Besides, 2.79% of the total accidents in the country occurred in the capital city, 1.95% in Chittagong city, and 1.12% at rail crossings.
Compared to May, the number of road accidents has increased by 56.14%, deaths by 57.34% and injuries by 43.82% in June.
The association has complained that the number of road accidents and deaths is increasing due to irregularities, corruption and lack of accountability of the agencies responsible for road safety.
It also called for modernization of the traffic system, licensing and fitness of vehicles to keep pace with the developed world.
A total of 8,543 people were killed and 14,318 others injured in 6,210 road, railway and waterway accidents across the country last year, according to the association.
