Eid journeys mostly smooth, 300 deaths claim not correct: Transport Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has dismissed reports claiming over 300 deaths during this year’s Eid travel, describing the journey as comparatively safer and more comfortable.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting on road safety and accident prevention at the ministry on Sunday (March 29), the minister said official data shows fewer fatalities than reported by some sources.

According to government records, a total of 170 people died across road, rail, and river transport during the Eid period. Of these, 47 deaths occurred on highways, 28 on waterways, and 17 on railways, with the remainder in local or other accidents.

While acknowledging some traffic congestion and isolated incidents, Sheikh Rabiul Alam emphasised that approximately 1.5 crore people left Dhaka over three days, and apart from a few major accidents, the overall journey was smoother than previous years.

The minister also stated that authorities, including BRTA and the Roads and Highways Department, are working to ensure accurate collection of accident data.