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2,300 killed on Bhanga-Kuakata highway in 5 years
Published : Monday, 28 September, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Observer Online Report
More than 2,300 people have been killed in 1,983 road accidents on the Bhanga-Barishal-Kuakata highway since the Padma Bridge opened in 2022, according to data compiled for the period up to June 2026.
The 166-kilometre highway, a key road link to the southern region, has around 70 dangerous bends, at least 40 of which are considered accident-prone, according to transport sector sources.
Traffic on the highway has increased significantly since the opening of the Padma Bridge. The number of vehicles using the road daily has risen from around 17,000-19,000 to 35,000-40,000, according to sources.
However, much of the highway remains a two-lane road, with sections measuring only 24 to 30 feet in width. The combination of sharp bends, high-speed vehicles, risky overtaking, illegal parking and roadside markets has increased the risk of crashes.
Among the accident-prone areas are Bhurghata, Torki, Ashokathi, Mahilara and Batajor in Gournadi; Sanuhar, Bamrail and Jayshree in Wazirpur; Notunhat and Rahmatpur in Babuganj; Gariarpar and Dapdapia in Barishal; and several sections in Nalchity, Bakerganj, Amtali and Kalapara.
A roughly 49-kilometre stretch from Chowrasta in Patuakhali to Bandra in Amtali alone has around 40 dangerous bends, according to local residents and transport workers.
Several accidents have occurred in the area recently. Earlier this month, four people were killed and at least 15 injured when a bus fell into a roadside ditch at Basak Bazar in Patuakhali. A motorcyclist was also killed in a collision involving a bus and a motorcycle in the same area days earlier.
Local drivers and transport owners said the number and speed of vehicles have increased since the Padma Bridge opened, while the road infrastructure has not been upgraded accordingly.
They also pointed to roadside markets, illegal parking and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings as major safety concerns.
Delwar Howlader, whose brother was disabled in a road accident, said the family had to sell their land to meet medical and medicine expenses.
A resident of Basak Bazar, Aminul Islam, said accidents occur almost every day in the area, while proper road markings, speed controls and adequate lighting are lacking.
Road safety experts said reducing accidents would require more than driver awareness. They called for the reconstruction of dangerous bends, improved road signs, reflectors, warning lights and speed-control measures, as well as action against illegal structures and roadside markets.
They also stressed the need to widen and modernise necessary sections of the Bhanga-Kuakata highway to improve road safety.
- MaT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
