'Over 86,000 killed in road accidents in 11 years'

More than 86,000 people have died in 62,619 road accidents across Bangladesh over the past 11 years, according to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association. A further 153,257 people were injured during the same period.

The figures were presented on Saturday by the association’s secretary general, Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, at a discussion marking Passenger Rights Day at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.

He said Dhaka alone loses an estimated 3.2 million working hours daily to traffic congestion, causing annual economic losses of around Tk 980 billion and fuel wastage worth Tk 110 billion. Traffic jams, he added, have also increased the risk of domestic unrest and family breakdowns by nearly 50%.

Chowdhury noted that road accidents, gridlock and pollution have severely affected the economy, public health and social structures for over a decade, yet no effective measures have been taken. He blamed corruption and misguided policies in the transport sector for further deterioration.

“Traffic congestion not only causes economic loss but also endangers citizens’ mental and physical health, leading to high blood pressure, respiratory problems, heart disease, cancer and other complications. It also contributes to stress, irritability, family conflicts, impaired child development and delinquency among teenagers,” he said.

Passenger Welfare Association president Sharif Rafiquzzaman told the event that most drivers in the country lack valid licences. He urged the government to take strict action against drug-addicted and unlicensed drivers, and to improve roads by straightening dangerous bends.

He also alleged that although passengers pay insurance fees alongside bus fares, victims of accidents receive no benefits. He called on passengers to become aware and demand their rightful claims.

Faruk Khan, spokesperson for Gan Adhikar, said the Passenger Welfare Association should be involved in all decision-making processes to represent the people’s interests.

Others addressing the discussion included AB Party senior vice-chairman Professor Major (retd.) Abdul Wahab Minar, Ganosamhati Andolon central committee member Dipak Roy, and the association’s finance secretary Mahmudul Hasan.