Highways turn death trap in Gopalganj

GOPALGANJ, Aug 14: The Gopalganj section of the Dhaka-Khulna and Dhaka-Barishal highways has turned into a death trap. In the last seven months, about half a hundred accidents have occurred in this section of these two highways. At least 33 people were killed and over 100 people were injured. 
The main reasons for the accidents are speedy vehicles, inefficient drivers and uncontrolled movement of three-wheelers including Nasimon-Karimon. Along with this, there are risky turns at various places on the highways. All in all, small and big accidents are happening almost every day in Gopalganj section of the two highways. One after another, families are losing their loved ones, and many are getting injured and paralysed.
Keramat Molla, a resident of Bhatiapara in Kashiani Upazila, Rahman Sharif of Gopinathpur in Sadar Upazila and several other road users complained that the lack of skilled drivers and the uncontrolled movement of various types of three-wheelers on the highway along with speeding vehicles are the main reasons for the accident. They believe that the concerned departments need to look into this.
But the drivers of big vehicles are blaming the drivers of small vehicles for the accidents. Bus drivers Akbar Ali and Tamal Sheikh claimed that accidents are increasing due to the plying of speedy and slow moving vans, easy bikes and motorcycles on the same road. They demand that the two highways be upgraded to four lanes quickly to reduce accidents.
Officer-in-Charge of Bhatiapara Highway Police Station in Gopalganj Rokonuzzaman claimed that regular patrolling is being conducted, legal measures are being taken against reckless and speeding vehicles, and drivers are being made aware to prevent accidents.
Meanwhile, experienced sections believe that curbing speeding vehicles, ensuring efficient drivers and stopping the movement of uncontrolled small vehicles along with upgrading the highway to four lanes will reduce the accidents.