33,500 road accidents in the outgoing year, more than 5,500 deaths

DE Online Report
A total of 5,592 deaths and 49,999 injuries reported by 33,465 road accidents across the country in 2023. 196 fatalities and 1,314 injuries also reported from 905 maritime accidents during the period. Rail accidents counted 1,196, leading to 1,059 injuries and 257 deaths. Highest fatalities were recorded in road accidents in the outgoing year.
This information was revealed by ‘Save the Road’, a private organization, in their annual accident report at a press conference at Bijoy Milonayaton in Dhaka on Sunday.
“As per the report by the organization’s Secretary-General Shanta Farjana, from January to December 2023, a total of 12,252 motorcycle accidents occurred, injuring 7,814 individuals, resulting in 904 deaths. Additionally, 9,867 truck accidents affected 10,834 people, with 934 fatalities.
Disregarding speed limits, transport owners’ negligence, lack of caution, and driving without breaks for 12-20 hours resulted in 11,346 bus accidents, injuring 13,185 individuals and causing 2,243 deaths.”
“Due to negligence in responsibilities, corruption within local police administrations, and various illegal modes of transportation involving Nasimon-Karimon and other 3-wheelers, a total of 11,104 accidents occurred, affecting 12,708 and resulting in 1,511 deaths.
According to the report prepared based on information provided by 22 national dailies, 20 TV channels, 88 news portals, and local observers of ‘Save the Road’, Chairman ZM Kamrul Anam, founder Momin Mehedi, Vice-Chairman Bikash Ray, Ziaur Rahman Zia, Ayub Rana, and Layan Imam’s guidance, the conference revealed these statistics.
It was stated in the press conference that the lack of trained drivers and assistants is leading to fatalities on the roads. Throughout the country, there is a severe transportation crisis. On the other hand, unfit and error-prone buses and tempos are contributing to fatalities. In response, ‘Save the Road’ has taken the lead with just seven claims.
Among the claims is the announcement of ‘Accident-free Road Day’ on July 11 in Mirersarai to commemorate the half-century students who lost their lives. It is essential to ensure pedestrian-friendly travel by eliminating footpath encroachments, prohibiting unfit vehicles on the roads, and enforcing recruitment of drivers and assistants only with at least eighth-grade education and national IDs. Compensation of at least 10 lakhs for fatalities and 3 lakhs for injuries in road, maritime, and rail accidents should be provided, and insurance schemes for the injured should be arranged. Alongside implementing the ‘Transport Workers’ Rule’, to create a truly prosperous Bangladesh and to establish a ‘Transport Police Battalion’, urgent action is needed. Moreover, a strict approach is required to investigate and expedite the punishment for road accidents, fostering awareness, and ensuring all drivers and passengers adhere to the law. Every transport driver must possess a license. Urgent steps should be taken in Dhaka for effective control of private cars on the roads and to enhance public bus services, along with training not only drivers but also pedestrians and passengers for accident prevention.”