Road Safety Act urged to protect pedestrians, cyclists

Speakers at an event in the capital on Sunday (18 May) underscored the urgent need for a Road Safety Act to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in traffic-congested cities like Dhaka.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 50% of annual road crash fatalities globally involve pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Experts said walking and cycling could significantly ease Dhaka's traffic congestion, which causes the daily loss of valuable working hours.

The call came at the inaugural session of a Youth Campaign organised by Dhaka Ahsania Mission to mark the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week. This year's theme is "Streets for Life: Making Walking and Cycling Safe."

Sharmeen Rahman, Road Safety Project Coordinator of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, made the keynote presentation at the programme held at the Mission's head office in Dhanmondi.

In her keynote, she said safe infrastructure and a dedicated Road Safety Act are essential to promoting walking and cycling in Dhaka.

Neelima Akhter, executive director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), attended the event as chief guest. In her speech, she said, "Walking and cycling not only benefit our health but also contribute to a healthier environment. Additionally, they help reduce medical expenses and road crashes."

She stressed that both government and non-government sectors, along with the youth, must work together in a coordinated manner to bring about lasting change.

Presiding over the event, Professor Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said the government's strategic plans must prioritise a walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.

Other speakers included Professor Md. Iqbal Hossain Razu, vice president of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association; Aminul Islam Sujon, technical adviser of Vital Strategies Bangladesh; and Abu Rushd Md. Ruhul Amin, senior news editor at Banglavision.

Youth leaders Abdullah Mehedi Dipto, President of Road Safety Movement, and Iftekhar Ahmed Sakib, president of Bangladesh Medical Students' Society, also addressed the event.

Marjana Muntaha, coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing, delivered the welcome remarks.

At the end of the programme, youth participants handed over a memorandum to the chief guest, demanding the formulation of a Road Safety Act to ensure safer roads for all.