Road Deaths Surge in Bangladesh During Eid Travel Period

Road fatalities in Bangladesh have risen sharply during this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr travel period, raising serious concerns over road safety.

According to the Road Safety Foundation, at least 274 people were killed in road accidents nationwide over a 10-day period surrounding the holiday.

The organization reported that between March 17 and the early hours of March 26, a total of 342 road accidents occurred across the country, leaving many more injured. In comparison, 249 people were killed over 11 days during last year’s Eid-ul-Fitr period, indicating a significant rise in fatalities this year.

Several major accidents drew nationwide attention. On March 21, a collision between a bus and a train in Cumilla killed 12 people. In another incident on March 25, a passenger bus fell into the Padma River near the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, claiming 26 lives.

Government data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) shows that between March 17 and 23, 92 road accidents resulted in 100 deaths and 217 injuries.

A study by police headquarters found that about 42 percent of accidents were caused by reckless driving. Unfit vehicles and unlicensed drivers further exacerbate the problem.

Saidur Rahman, executive director of the Road Safety Foundation, said the high number of accidents and deaths highlights weaknesses in road management.

Experts suggest that enforcing bans on unfit vehicles, ensuring proper driver training, and implementing modern traffic management systems on highways could significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities in the country.