Unsafe workplaces claim 422 lives in six months: Survey

At least 422 workers were killed in 373 workplace accidents across Bangladesh in the first half of 2025, marking a slight decline from 475 deaths in 420 incidents during the same period in 2024, according to a new survey by the Safety and Rights Society (SRS).

The data, compiled from 26 national and local newspapers, sheds light on the persistent dangers faced by workers across key sectors of the economy, according to a press release. 

The transport sector accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 207 deaths. Other high-risk sectors included services (65 deaths), agriculture (59), construction (59), and manufacturing (32).

Road accidents emerged as the single largest cause of death, claiming 267 lives. Other causes included 56 fatalities from lightning strikes, 40 from electrocution, and 23 from falls. Additional causes of death included fire or explosions (12), falling objects (9), wall or earth collapses (8), drowning (5), toxic gas inhalation (1), and other incidents (1).

Executive Director of SRS, Sekender Ali Mina, said that despite advances in technology and industrial processes, workplace accidents remain frequent and fatal. 

He said, "The Labour Reform Commission has made recommendations on health and safety, and discussions are underway. But unless standards are raised and workplace accidents reduced, these reforms will not deliver meaningful change to workers and their families."

Mina said sector-specific, long-term planning and its proper implementation, as well as stronger coordination between employers and workers is needed. He also called for a significant overhaul of the labour inspection system and the creation of a nationwide safety culture.

"Each sector must have its own safety guidelines," he said, "and employers should develop workplace-specific policies based on those. Establishing a safety culture requires active commitment from all parties – workers, employers, and the government."

SRS said employers bear the primary responsibility for ensuring safe working conditions, including the provision of personal protective equipment. The government must play its part through the creation and enforcement of safety regulations, while workers must observe safety protocols and employer instructions.

"Without tripartite cooperation," Mina said, "it will be impossible to prevent workplace accidents."

SRS is a non-government organization that has been working for years on promoting workplace safety awareness, training, research, and providing advisory support, according to the release.