Accidents kill 355, injure 620 during Eid journey: Report
Road accidents decreased by 18.2% during Eid-ul-Fitr 2023 compared to the previous year
At least 355 people were killed and 620 injured in 341 accidents on road, rail and waterways during the Eid-ul-Fitr journey this year, according to the Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association.
Among them, 328 people were killed and 565 were injured in 304 road accidents on the country's highways.
A report by the association analysing road accident data during the 15-day period from 15 April to 29 April found that compared to 2022, road accidents decreased by 18.2%, fatalities by 21.1%, and injuries by 33% during Eid-ul-Fitr 2023.
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The report, presented at a press conference in the capital's Segunbagicha, mentioned that the number of road accidents declined as the condition of the country's roads and highways has significantly improved in the last 14 years due to the continuous development efforts of the government.
This year's Eid journey was relatively less hectic due to the extension of Eid holidays by one day, free movement of motorcycles on the Padma Bridge, and strict surveillance by various government regulatory agencies and law enforcement forces on all highways of the country, it said.
The number of travellers during this year's Eid-ul-Fitr was 30% lower than estimated due to several factors, including the increased prices of goods and transportation costs, as well as the excessive heat.
Motorcycles were involved in the majority of accidents with 167 fatalities and 120 injuries in 165 incidents, accounting for 54.3% of total road accidents. The two-wheelers were the preferred mode of travel for about 18.2% of passengers during the Eid journey.
The report was prepared by the members of the Road Accident Monitoring Cell of the Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association who monitored news published in credible national and regional dailies as well as online portals.
Secretary General of Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said that the increasing number of small vehicles like motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, and easy bikes on the roads is leading to a rise in road accidents due to the lack of standard buses.
He urged the government to stop importing motorcycles and easy bikes and instead focus on increasing the availability of public transportation options.
Meanwhile, another report prepared by the Road Safety Foundation said at least 285 people were killed and 454 others injured in 240 road accidents in 14 days during Eid-ul-Fitr this year.
The report was compiled based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, and electronic media.
The Road Safety Foundation urges the government to ensure the smooth implementation of the "Road Transport Act- 2018" and establish a strict monitoring system before and after Eid on roads, sea, and railways to prevent further losses of lives.
