It is an absolute tragedy that, despite consistent efforts, the number of road accidents in our country continues to see a significant rise.
A Jatri Kalyan Samity report recently found that the number of road accidents increased by 5.3% from January 2022 to January 2023. As many as 593 accidents were recorded in January alone, killing 585 citizens and leaving a further 899 injured.
This is certainly not the kind of beginning to the year we hoped for.
Just last year, over 6,000 accidents were reported -- the highest rate over the past few years. Considering the numbers from this year alone, the situation does not seem to be getting any better.
Road accidents have been an abhorrent reality in Bangladesh for years, and the fact that we keep losing so many lives to something that should have been in our control is disgraceful, to say the least.
It has been stated innumerable times: The authorities need to take stern measures to ensure our roads are safe for all.
Public transport drivers and company owners alike have demonstrated a shameful lack of regard for traffic rules and people's lives, continuously violating road safety conduct. The fitness of public vehicles has also been repeatedly questioned, with no real measures being taken to better their state.
How many more lives need to be put at stake for the perpetrators of this crime to finally be held accountable?
Unless strict action is taken to radically improve the current situation, those who have made it a habit to neglect the damage they leave in their wake will continue to act recklessly on the roads.
We must ensure that the right laws, and punishments, are put in place to ensure that our roads do not turn any bloodier than they already are.
