92 killed, 104 injured in road accidents in five days of Eid holidays: BRTA
According to the BRTA report on accidents from 13 to 17 June, the number of crashes involving motorcycles was the highest followed by the number of crashes involving easy bikes.
At least 92 people were killed and 104 others were injured in 95 road accidents in five days of Eid-ul-Adha holidays across the country, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, citing a report of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
According to the BRTA report on accidents from 13 to 17 June, the number of crashes involving motorcycles was the highest followed by the number of crashes involving easy bikes.
"It's very unfortunate that lately, motorcycle accidents have become more frequent. Looking at the accident data, motorcycles account for the highest number of accidents, followed by easy bikes," the minister said during an Eid greetings exchange at his ministry's conference room in the Secretariat on Wednesday (19 June).
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"Reckless driving also plays a significant role. We cannot ignore this. I urge the secretary to expedite the formulation of a policy," Quader added.
The minister further mentioned that the lack of regulation for millions of three-wheelers and motorcycles is disrupting order on the roads, highlighting the urgent need for a policy.
He said, "People's lives should come before livelihoods. In trying to protect livelihoods, lives are being put at risk. Those involved in electoral politics often support or endorse this. Easy bikes on highways receive a lot of support, sometimes even encouragement from behind the scenes.
"In Dhaka, our current regulations ensure that 98% of riders have helmets."
Quader also noted that while the Eid journeys on roads have been relatively smooth, the return trips remain a concern. "The return journeys often receive less attention, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, we must focus on ensuring the safety of the return journeys as well."
He emphasised that maintaining discipline on the roads will significantly reduce accidents. "We must prioritise discipline to reduce road accidents," Quader added.
Bangladesh celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on 17 June and the rush of Eid travellers started on 13 June, as the three-day Eid holidays also followed two-day weekends on 14-15 June.
