Students demand action for safer roads, call for National Safe Road Day

In a significant push for road safety in Bangladesh, the Safe Road Movement has called for the swift implementation of a nine-point agenda aimed at establishing safer road conditions for all, particularly for students.

They also demand that 29 July, the date marking the beginning of the historic Safe Road Movement in 2018, be recognized as "National Safe Road Day."

This rallying cry was made during a gathering in front of the Press Club on Friday (20 September), where prominent figures from the movement were in attendance, including acting convener Abdullah Mehedi Dipto, general secretary Al Amin, joint general secretary Tanveer Howlader, and central committee executive member Naim Al Islam.

The agenda emphasizes the urgent need for thorough investigations and swift justice for all road fatalities, especially those involving students. The movement calls for a fast-track tribunal to ensure accountability for those responsible for accidents, insisting that they provide adequate compensation to the victims' families.

In addition to addressing accountability, the Safe Roads Movement advocates for a reassessment of public transport fares and the issuance of a directive to guarantee unconditional half-fare for students across all forms of public transport nationwide. They stress the importance of improving the quality of public transport, removing obstructions from roads and footpaths, and modernizing the traffic system to facilitate planned urban development.

The movement also highlights the need for proper employment contracts for transport workers, ensuring a safe working environment, defined working hours, and fixed monthly salaries. They call for adequate rehabilitation for injured passengers and transport staff, emphasizing the human aspect of road safety.

To further enhance road safety, Safe Roads Movement advocates for mandatory training and re-evaluation of all transport drivers, ensuring compliance with legal standards while promoting transparency and accountability within the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). They propose implementing franchise-based services for public transport across all city and inter-district routes, along with initiatives to limit personal vehicle use.

Furthermore, the movement seeks to incorporate traffic law awareness into educational curricula and broadcast awareness programs through electronic media. They are also calling for an end to extortion in the transport sector and the elimination of BRTA brokers. Finally, they urge the establishment of bus stops and a counter-based ticketing system to alleviate traffic congestion and enforce regulations to prevent passenger harassment in ride-sharing services.

As the movement gains momentum, the call for safer roads and a national day dedicated to road safety echoes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh's transportation system.