On December 20, 2024, Mohtassim Masud, a BUET student was killed near Balur Bridge checkpost in Sector 1 of the Kanchan-Kuril Highway by an intoxicated driver driving a car recklessly, whereas two others Mehedi Hasan and Amit Saha were severely injured.
This incident resulting in a casualty at a police check post, allegedly caused by intoxicated driving, is a sobering tragedy that demands immediate reflection, both on the part of law enforcement and society at large. Whether or not he has a driving license is questionable as well.
It is a stark reminder of how a single reckless act -- driving under the influence -- can cut short a promising life and expose the cracks in our approach to road safety and public accountability.
Traffic violence has increased so much in Bangladesh in recent years that it has reached an all-time high. Dhaka has a high official rate of traffic accidents and fatalities, and the actual rate may be even higher. According to the news reports, in 2022 alone, there were 259 road accidents in Dhaka, resulting in 246 fatalities.
The victim of the Purbachal case, a talented and hardworking student with a bright future ahead, was a symbol of hope and potential. His untimely death is a painful reminder that our roads remain perilous, even for those who exercise caution. It forces us to confront uncomfortable questions: How many more lives must be lost before we take meaningful action? Why do preventable accidents continue to claim our brightest minds?
The incident has allegedly occurred due to an intoxicated driver who failed to adhere to basic traffic safety norms. It was an act of negligence that could have been prevented with stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting impaired driving. Tragically, this was not the case.
However, driving under the influence is not a rare occurrence in Bangladesh, nor is it a problem that can be ignored. Every year, hundreds of lives are lost due to alcohol- or drug-related accidents. These deaths are not just statistics; they are people -- students, parents, children -- whose lives are forever altered or extinguished because of a few minutes of reckless driving.
It has been found in a study by the Accident Research Institute (ARI) of BUET that the percentage of drivers who are suspected to be intoxicated while driving is 10%. On the other hand, many private organizations have found varying percentages of drugged drivers denoting the gap between actual and reported accident cases.
The case in Purbachal, struck a particularly painful chord as it involved a BUET student, a member of one of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions, who fell victim to this avoidable disaster. And, this has also shaken the whole student community, especially the students of BUET who have started active protests to ensure justice for their fellow batchmates, juniors and seniors.
Amidst calling for justice, they demanded a fair investigation and trial regarding the case. However, the incident is a clear indication of collective failure -- of the system, the society, the community, the families and individuals. Also, it demonstrates how a neglected issue is annihilating our rising minds.
The tragic event in Purbachal calls into question the standard of policing in the area and the effectiveness of current measures to curb dangerous driving behaviours
Alcohol and drug consumption might be regulated and restricted in Bangladesh considering it is illegal. However, many are still involved in consumption of alcohol and committing crimes in its influence or behaving recklessly.
Moreover, it is not only a problem for Bangladesh as Bangladesh has one of the lowest alcohol consumptions in Asia according to a World Bank. Still, the other countries with higher alcohol consumption rate could tackle their intoxication crime rates, because of law enforcement and system strengthening such as regular alcohol breath testing in highways and checkposts.
In our case, when an incident like the one focused here has already taken place, then dope test or any other tests are done. Therefore, we are lagging behind on preventative measures and thus, we are not being able to stop such devastating deaths. However, it is not enough for law enforcement to simply set up checkpoints. Officers must be adequately trained, vigilant, and proactive.
The tragic event in Purbachal calls into question the standard of policing in the area and the effectiveness of current measures to curb dangerous driving behaviours. It raises multiple questions regarding if the police team was adequately equipped to identify and stop an intoxicated driver or there was a lack of coordination, or perhaps even complacency, in the execution of their duties. These questions need to be addressed immediately as employers, educators, and local leaders all have roles to play in creating safer roads for the people.
Grassroots initiatives can raise awareness and advocate for changes, while technological advancements like surveillance systems and AI-powered traffic monitoring can aid enforcement of laws and accident prevention.
While it is essential for governments to enforce stricter traffic laws and improve road infrastructure, the roles of society, family and individuals cannot be overlooked either. Families must actively educate young drivers about the dangers of night driving, particularly the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and without license, which are significant causes of fatal accidents. Meanwhile, society must take collective responsibility through public awareness campaigns, community education, and better enforcement of road safety measures by fostering a culture where both individuals and communities prioritize safe driving.
This is not just about one tragic incident; it is about the thousands of lives lost every year on our roads. It is about a fundamental failure of a system designed to protect us. If we continue to let this happen, we risk further eroding trust in our law enforcement and losing even more lives to preventable accidents.
Every traffic accident is a preventable tragedy, and the loss of this young life underscores the urgency of action. This is not just about improving road safety; it is about valuing human lives and ensuring that no family has to endure such pain again. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call. The time for complacency is over. We must act now to prevent further loss and honor the memory of those we have already lost.
Sabila Binta Saif Sondhi is a Research Associate at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).
