404 killed in road accidents in April: RSF

At least 404 people were killed and 709 injured in 463 road accidents across Bangladesh in April, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).

The report, released by the organisation’s Executive Director Saidur Rahman, was compiled using data from national newspapers, online news portals, electronic media, and the foundation’s own sources on Wednesday (May 6).

In addition to road crashes, seven waterway accidents left four people dead and 11 injured, while 34 railway accidents claimed 26 lives and injured 17 others during the same period.

Motorcycle riders and passengers accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 113, followed by 61 three-wheeler passengers and 51 passengers of trucks, covered vans, pickups, lorries, and tractors. Bus passengers accounted for 30 deaths, while 24 victims were travelling in private cars or microbuses.

A total of 659 vehicles were involved in the accidents, including 153 motorcycles, 112 three-wheelers, 91 trucks, and 84 buses.

Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of accidents and fatalities, accounting for 23.54 percent of total accidents and 25.24 percent of deaths. The capital, Dhaka, alone saw 36 accidents, leaving 24 people dead and 67 injured. Sylhet Division reported the lowest figures, with 12 accidents and 12 fatalities.

The foundation identified reckless driving, speeding, defective vehicles, weak road conditions, and lack of enforcement of traffic laws as major causes behind the accidents. Other factors include driver incompetence, unregulated working hours, and the presence of slow-moving vehicles on highways.

In its recommendations, the organisation called for restructuring the National Road Safety Council, strengthening regulatory bodies, introducing modern safety technologies in vehicles, removing unfit vehicles from roads, and improving driver training and welfare.

It also emphasised the need for better traffic management, increased public awareness, and coordinated reforms across road, rail, and water transport sectors to reduce accidents and fatalities.