Road crashes a chronic curse for Bangladesh: Quader Gani

“Every day, newspapers report people dying or being injured in road accidents somewhere in the country. These tragedies harm not only individuals and families but also society and the economy,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion titled “Goodwill of politicians of all parties is essential to restore order on the roads”, organized by the Safe Roads Initiative (NISCHA) at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium of the National Press Club.

The event was presided over by NISCHA founding member Liton Ershad, with speeches from National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, former DRU president Morsalin Nomani, senior journalist Shahabuddin Sikder, Safe Roads Chai Acting Chairman Mirajul Moin Joy (virtually), Secretary General SM Azad Hossain, Organizing Secretary Abdur Rahman, and member Mannan Firoz.

Quader Gani cited BRTA data showing that 5,380 people lost their lives in road accidents in Bangladesh in 2024, while private estimates suggest the real number is higher. In September alone, 417 people were killed and 682 injured in 446 accidents.

According to the World Safety Foundation, financial losses from road accidents in 2024 were estimated at Tk 21,880 crore, roughly 1.5 percent of the country’s GDP.

He also highlighted government compensation laws for accident victims, noting that many families fail to apply because of lack of awareness. The law provides Tk 5 lakh for the deceased, Tk 3 lakh for limb loss, and up to Tk 3 lakh for serious injuries.

He urged the government to extend the application period from 30 to 90 days to allow grieving families more time.

The journalist leader criticized the continued operation of unfit vehicles, including battery-powered rickshaws and other unsafe vehicles, despite a 2017 High Court order.

He said sudden appearances of such vehicles on highways are a major cause of accidents.

He mentioned that BRTA reports six lakh unfit vehicles, but the actual number is likely higher. During festivals, old vehicles are brought out, and drivers often work non-stop, leading to accidents.

Quader Gani stressed that the transport sector has yet to be recognized as an industry, resulting in irregular employment terms for drivers. Overwork and fatigue contribute to accidents.

He called for collective action by the government, transport owners, drivers, political leaders, and civil society. Urgent measures include banning unfit vehicles, installing road dividers, repairing roads, enforcing traffic laws, and increasing public awareness.

He added that personal responsibility is crucial: “We know the risks of riding rickshaws or battery-powered vehicles on highways, yet we do it. Until this mindset changes, no law will be fully effective.”

Speakers emphasized that hundreds of deaths occur monthly due to road accidents and urged political parties to prioritize road safety in election manifestos and public awareness campaigns, reports UNB.