The road safety crisis in Bangladesh continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, with the recent Eid-ul-Fitr holidays once again exposing our systemic failures in the transport sector.
As per the Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh (PWAB), 352 people lost their lives and 835 were injured in 340 accidents across roads, railways, and waterways during the 15-day Eid travel period. Of these, 322 fatalities and 826 injuries resulted from 315 road crashes alone.
To say these numbers are staggering would be an understatement; while slightly lower than last year, they remain an indictment of a system that has consistently failed to protect its citizens. With most of these accidents being preventable, there is - and has been for some time - an urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
First and foremost, we need some modicum of traffic laws and some accountability if they are not abided by. Reckless driving, overloading, and violations such as unlicensed drivers and unfit vehicles remain far too common and must be met with swift and necessary penalties and mandatory and regular fitness inspections.
What is often overlooked are the shortcomings in our Infrastructure - which are equally critical. Our highways remain accident-prone zones and must be secured with better lighting and speed control measures. Pedestrian crossings and footbridges should also not only be prioritized in cities, but also maintained regularly while encouraging and educating citizens of their importance.
The number of lives we lose every day on our roads is nothing but a national shame. The authorities concerned must act decisively to end this cycle of preventable deaths and make road safety a priority for all.
