Families of those killed in Sylhet road crash to receive Tk 5 lakh: Minister

The families of those killed in the bus collision on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway in Osmaninagar's Kashikapon area are receiving government assistance. Each deceased victim's family will receive Tk 5 lakh. Additionally, those injured who become disabled will receive Tk 3 lakh, and those undergoing treatment will receive Tk 1 lakh each for medical expenses. Labour and Employment Minister and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced the assistance while visiting the injured at Sylhet Osmani Hospital on Saturday.

The minister said the financial assistance is being provided to those affected by the road accident following the Prime Minister's directives.

The minister said application forms for assistance have been handed over to the hospital director through the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The district administration will oversee the matters of those injured and undergoing treatment.

In response to a question, the minister said the Highway Police and local administration have been instructed to control overspeeding on the highway. Drivers will be monitored to ensure they operate vehicles within the speed limit. He noted that many drivers develop a competitive mentality in the morning when the roads are relatively empty.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury said speed control measures on the highway will be implemented through the Highway Police and administration, similar to how speed is regulated on flyovers.

He also called for bringing reckless drivers under the law, adding that most accidents occur on the Sylhet-Sherpur section. Land acquisition for the four-lane project is nearing completion. Although work has been somewhat delayed due to rain and other factors, he expressed hope that the project will become visible by September-October. The hospital director, administrative officials and political leaders were present during the hospital visit.