Nearly 8,000 children killed in road crashes in less than 7yrs

A total of 7,963 children were killed in road accidents across Bangladesh between 2020 and September 2026, with more than 37 per cent of the victims dying while riding or driving motorcycles, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation.

The report, released on Wednesday, said 2,812 children were killed while crossing or walking along roads during the period.

More than 34 per cent of the child fatalities occurred on rural roads, while the highest number of deaths was recorded among children aged 13 to 17. A total of 3,547 children in this age group lost their lives in road crashes.

The report also found that 2,513 children were killed while travelling to or from educational institutions.
Unsafe Roads, Unskilled Drivers Among Key Concerns

The Road Safety Foundation attributed the rising toll among children to a lack of safe roads for young people, limited awareness of traffic laws, and accidents involving unskilled and underage drivers.


To reduce child fatalities, the organisation recommended enforcing road transport laws more effectively and taking strict action against drivers who violate traffic regulations.

It also called for greater road safety awareness among children through families and educational institutions.

The report underscores the need for stronger enforcement, safer road infrastructure and sustained public awareness campaigns to protect children from preventable road crashes.