Describing road accidents as an epidemic worse than Covid-19, experts highlighted the crucial role of the media in preventing such incidents.
Discussants said this during a workshop held at the National Institute of Mass-communication (Nimco) auditorium in the capital on Monday morning.
Members of Nimco, along with members of the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), organized the workshop on “Establishment of Safe Roads and Media in Bangladesh”.
Nimco Additional Director General Sufi Zakir Hosan presided over it.
Senior journalist and United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Editor Farid Hossain emphasized the need for mass media to play a stronger role in enforcing existing road laws and implementing sustainable integrated road management to ensure road safety in Bangladesh.
He stressed the importance of enhancing the skills of drivers and assistants of various road vehicles, halting the operation of unfit vehicles on highways, and raising awareness among passengers and pedestrians.
Sufi Zakir Hossain highlighted the necessity of restoring order in the public transport sector to mitigate road accidents, noting Nimco's continuous efforts to promote public awareness in this regard.
Zahirul Islam, deputy secretary (Road Safety Branch) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, underscored the pivotal role of the media in preventing road accidents and loss of life, emphasizing that media outlets are uniquely positioned to create public awareness.
During the workshop, Nimco Deputy Director (Training Program) Dr Sumna Parveen, Assistant Director Tanjim Tamanna, SCRF President Ashish Kumar Dey, and General Secretary Jahangir Alam, among others, also shared their insights under the guidance of Maruf Nawaz.
Mohammad Abu Sadeq, deputy director of Nimco, delivered a presentation on media reporting trends regarding road accidents and outlined various long-term plans aimed at establishing safe roads.
