“Death by Nature is a Grief,
But Death by Neglect is a Crime”_Chernobyl (HBO, 2019)_
1. Introduction: A War Without Weapons
When we watch the news on TV-Newspaper or on social media, we see big wars in other countries. We see cities destroyed by bombs and families running for safety. We hear the voice of people from far away and feel sad for them we don’t even know. But while we are busy watching those big disasters on TV, we forget about the quiet tragedy happening right here in our own country.
In Bangladesh, a different kind of WAR happens every day. People are not dying from bullets or explosions; they are dying on our roads. Our highways and river paths have become dangerous places because of neglect. While world wars make the front page of newspapers, this “ROAD WAR” kills people quietly every single day without anyone calling for a ceasefire
2. Report of Previous Years of Road Accident
Over the past few years, road accidents in Bangladesh have become an alarming and recurring tragedy. Each year, countless lives are lost on highways, rural roads, and during festive travel. Seasonal journeys like Eid make the situation even worse, turning roads into dangerous death traps. This ongoing crisis shows how the silent road war continues, claiming lives year after year.
2.1 Road Accident Data – 2023 [1]
Government agency BRTA released the first annual data on road accidents.
- Total accidents: 5,495
- Deaths: 5,024
- Injuries: 7,495
- Average deaths per day: 14
2.2 Road Accident Data – 2024 [2]
- Total accidents: 6,927
- Deaths: 7,294
- Injuries: 12,019
- Average deaths per day: 20
2.3 Road Accident Data – 2025 [3]
Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA) reported:
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- Total accidents: 6,729
- Deaths: 9,111
- Injuries: 14,812
Motorcycles involved in 37% of accidents, causing nearly 3,000 deaths. Total Economic loss estimated at Tk 60,000 crore annually.
2.4 Road Accident Statistics During this Eid
Badly, many families in Bangladesh faced tragedy on the roads this year. In the 10 days around Eid 2026, 274 people lost their lives in 342 road accidents, including a bus-train collision in Comilla and a bus falling into the Padma River in Rajbari. This is higher than last year’s Eid period, when 249 people died. [1]
Comparison with the Previous Year
| Year | Eid Duration (Days) | Deaths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 249 | Fewer deaths compared to 2026 |
| 2026 | 10 | 274 | Higher deaths despite shorter period |
N.B: Deaths in Eid 2026 were higher than in Eid 2025, even though the period was one day shorter.
Updated Data from the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association presents an even grimmer picture: in 15 days of Eid travel, a total of 394 people lost their lives and 1,288 were injured in 377 accidents across roads, railways, and waterways. Of these, 351 deaths occurred in 346 road accidents alone, with motorcycles and major highways again featuring heavily in the casualty figures. [4]
Read More: Ramadan Market Trends During Awami League, Interim, and BNP Rule
3. Political Reactions to Eid Road Safety Claims [2]
During a session of the National Parliament, criticism was raised against the government’s claim that this year’s Eid travel was comfortable and safe. Saiful Alam, Dhaka-12 MP from Jamaat-e-Islami, strongly criticized the statement made by the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Sheikh Robiul Alam. Rabiul Alam said,
“এবারের ঈদযাত্রা স্বস্তিদায়ক ছিল”
Translation: “This year’s Eid travel was comfortable and smooth.”
This statement by the minister became the main reason for political criticism, as it contrasted with reports of high numbers of road accidents and deaths.
MP Saiful Alam raised question to highlight the gap between official statements and the actual human losses during Eid travel. He said,
“বিআরটিএর প্রতিবেদন অনুযায়ী, ঈদযাত্রায় ১৭০ জন মারা গেছেন। যাত্রী কল্যাণ সমিতির প্রতিবেদন অনুযায়ী ৩৭০ জন। আমাদের সড়কমন্ত্রী বললেন, ‘স্বস্তির যাত্রা ছিল।’ আমার প্রশ্ন হলো—আর কত লোক মারা গেলে তিনি অস্বস্তিবোধ করবেন?”
Translation: “According to the BRTA report, 170 people died during Eid travel. But according to the Passenger Welfare Association, the number is 370. Our road transport minister said it was a comfortable journey. My question is—how many more deaths will make him feel that it was not comfortable?”
4. Major Causes of Road Accidents
Road accidents are a growing concern, and understanding their root causes is the first step toward prevention. When we analyse why these tragedies happen, it usually comes down to a mix of human behaviour, mechanical failure, and failing infrastructure. The major causes of road accidents in Bangladesh include:
- Over speeding: Driving above the speed limit is the leading cause, responsible for around 42% of accidents, according to Bangladesh Police. During busy periods like Eid 2026, over speeding caused several deadly crashes.
- Reckless Driving: Careless driving such as dangerous overtaking or ignoring traffic rules contributes to many accidents, especially on crowded highways during holidays.
- Overloaded Vehicles: Buses, trucks, and pickups often carry extra passengers or goods, which increases the risk of losing control or brake failure, causing serious injuries and deaths.
- Unfit Vehicles & Drivers: Many vehicles are old or poorly maintained, and some drivers lack proper licenses or training, making accidents more likely.
- Poor Road Conditions: Broken Roads, missing signboards, and overcrowded highways increase accident risks, particularly during Eid travel when traffic surges.
5. Economic Loss Caused by Road Accidents
Road accidents in Bangladesh cause massive financial damage each year. This loss comes from:
- Deaths
- Injuries
- Damaged Vehicles
- Medical costs and more.
In 2024, road crashes cost Bangladesh over Tk 21,880 crore, which about 1.5% of GDP. This figure covers 7,294 deaths and 12,019 injuries from 6,927 accidents. Yearly losses now reach Tk 60,000 crore, including vehicle repairs and goods damage. [5]
6. Recommendations and Solutions
To create a safer road environment, we must move from reactive measures to proactive solutions, like:
6.1 Stricter Law Enforcement: Enforce traffic rules with mobile courts and heavy fines for speeding, overloading, or drunk driving. Cancel licenses of repeat offenders and punish vehicle owners for unfit buses/trucks. This cuts violations by 30-40% where tried. [6]
6.2 Better Driver Training: Make 60 hours mandatory training for all new licenses at approved centres like BRTC or Army facilities. Train 60,000 drivers yearly on traffic signs, vehicle control, and safe speed. Courses for existing drivers reduce crashes.
6.3 Improved Highways: Upgrade over 260 km of important roads to 4 lanes, adding speed bumps, bike lanes, and footpaths.
6.4 Digital Monitoring Systems: Install CCTV cameras, ANPR (number-plate recognition) cameras, and speed detectors on major highways. These systems can automatically detect traffic violations, issue real-time fines, and send alerts. By connecting them to the BRTA database, repeat offenders can be identified and blocked. This system is being tested under the World Bank-supported ITMIDS project to improve road safety. [7]
7. Conclusion
Road accidents in Bangladesh have become a serious national crisis, especially during busy travel periods like Eid. Every year, thousands of lives are lost not because of natural disasters or war, but due to preventable mistakes, weak enforcement, unsafe vehicles, and poor road conditions. These tragedies leave behind grieving families and long-term economic and social damage.
However, Bangladesh’s roads do not have to remain a silent war zone where lives are lost every day. By fixing our highways, training drivers properly, and making sure everyone follows the law, we can save thousands of lives every year. It is important for the government to stay strict and for drivers to be more careful, especially during busy holiday rushes.
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