At least 1,25,405 people were killed and 1,76,249 injured in 72,736 road crashes across Bangladesh between January 2014 and June 2026, according to a statement issued by the Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh yesterday (21 October).
The association said the figures were compiled from media reports and that the actual number of casualties could be several times higher, according to hospital data.
At the same time, the Road Safety Foundation said in a separate report released on the same day that at least 7,963 children were killed in road crashes between January 2020 and September 2026.
The foundation, which compiled its findings from media reports, also identified poor management in the road transport sector and a lack of awareness of traffic laws as contributing factors.
Amid these reports, the National Road Safety Day was observed today with the theme "Safe Roads, Prosperous Country – Bangladesh First", with renewed calls for stricter traffic law enforcement and safer roads.
The observance comes amid persistent concerns over road crashes, which claim thousands of lives and leave many others injured every year, reports BSS.
According to the Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh, excessive speed, unsafe overtaking, overloaded and unfit vehicles, and drivers working without sufficient rest are among the leading causes of road crashes.
The association also cited poor road design, missing dividers, dangerous bends, wrong-way driving and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
The organisation urged the government to strengthen the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and give transport experts a greater role in managing the sector to curb road fatalities.
The association called for better public bus services, modern traffic management systems, improved driver training and stricter checks on vehicle fitness.
It also proposed service lanes along major highways, safer pedestrian crossings, proper road signs and markings, regular road safety inspections and the removal of ageing public transport vehicles.
The association further demanded an end to extortion in the transport sector, along with fixed salaries and regulated working hours for drivers.
Meanwhile Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) yesterday called for effective enforcement of traffic laws, ensuring drivers' skills, identifying and repairing risky roads, and ensuring accountability of the organisations concerned to reduce the risk of deaths and disabilities in road accidents.
The call was made at a colourful rally and a brief meeting held in the capital.
Speaking at the brief meeting at the National Press Club, NISCHA leaders said road accidents are not inevitable; rather, the risk of accidents can be reduced through planned initiatives, proper enforcement of existing laws and rules, creating skilled drivers and responsible behaviour of road users.
For this, road safety must be treated not as an isolated programme but as a regular and coordinated national priority, they said.
Draft law proposes free emergency care
Meanwhile, the government has prepared the draft Road Safety Act 2026, which includes provisions for free emergency medical treatment for road crash victims and legal protection for people who come forward to help them, according to BSS.
The proposed legislation also includes a penalty-point system for traffic offences and higher penalties for repeat violations.
Prepared by the Road Transport and Highways Division, the draft seeks to improve road and vehicle safety, protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, and ensure timely treatment for people injured in crashes.
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on 14 October that the government intended to introduce comprehensive road safety legislation by 2027.
The commitment follows Bangladesh's pledge at an international road safety conference in Marrakech, Morocco, in February 2025.
According to BSS, the World Health Organization estimates that road crashes kill around 31,578 people annually in Bangladesh.
In contrast, BRTA recorded 5,490 road crash deaths in 2025. The figures reflect different data collection methods, with the WHO providing an estimate and BRTA reporting recorded fatalities.