Over 125,000 killed in road mishaps in 13yrs: BPWA

A total of 125,405 people were killed and 176,249 injured in 72,736 road accidents across Bangladesh over the last 13 years, according to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA), which blamed mismanagement, irregularities and flawed transport policies for the rising death toll.

The association released the figures in a statement to the media on Wednesday to mark National Road Safety Day 2026. BPWA Secretary General (GS) Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said the country’s road transport sector continued to suffer from systemic weaknesses, with accidents and fatalities remaining a persistent problem.

According to the BPWA, the figures were compiled by monitoring accident reports published in the media between 2014 and 30 June 2026. It said the actual number of casualties could be several times higher, pointing to the number of victims treated at hospitals across the country.

The association alleged that successive governments had prioritised road construction and expansion over the development of an integrated transport system that would strengthen rail and water transport. Consequently, dependence on roads had increased without a corresponding improvement in public transport services or alternative travel options.

GS said the focus on road-based development, coupled with the neglect of strategic transport planning and the decline of rail and water transport, had placed additional pressure on the road network. He also blamed policy failures, irregularities and corruption during the previous government’s tenure for worsening road safety.

The statement identified several problems in the transport sector, including mismanagement, alleged extortion involving transport owners, workers and some police officials, the operation of unfit vehicles, unlicensed and unskilled drivers, defective road infrastructure and widespread traffic-law violations.

The association also blamed the uncontrolled growth and movement of motorcycles, battery-powered rickshaws and CNG-run auto-rickshaws for contributing to road hazards.

Other major causes included the lack of road medians and dividers, blind curves obstructed by roadside trees, highway construction defects, mechanical failures and driving against the flow of traffic. 

It further cited extortion on roads, carrying passengers in goods vehicles, overloading, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and excessively long driving hours without adequate rest as significant risk factors.

To reduce accidents, the association proposed 10 measures, calling for fundamental reforms in transport management and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.

It recommended placing the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) under the supervision of local and international transport experts, rather than relying primarily on bureaucrats.

It also called for the development of modern, technology-based bus networks nationwide and the introduction of technology-driven traffic management systems. 

The association urged the authorities to ensure that drivers received advanced training using modern technology before being issued driving licences. 

It also recommended building service lanes and footpaths along major national highways and providing designated pedestrian crossings, road signs and markings.