Published : 22 October 2026
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Updated : 22 October 2026, 03:24
Shamima Rita
In the eight years after the student-led road safety movement, road fatalities have increased by 26.2 percent, raising questions about the effectiveness of measures introduced to make roads safer.
According to Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, 9,111 people were killed in 6,729 road crashes in 2025, compared with 7,221 deaths in 5,514 crashes in 2018. Number of crashes increased by 1,215, or 22 percent, over the eight years.
After the movement in 2018, the then government enacted new laws and policies to improve road safety. However, there was little impact of the efforts.
68,285 people were killed in 50,936 road crashes between January 2018 and June 2026, according to Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity.
According to the data of the passengers’ welfare platform, 68,285 people were killed in 50,936 road crashes between January 2018 and June 2026, an average of 22 deaths and 16.4 crashes a day.
With the grim data in the backdrop, Bangladesh observes National Road Safety Day today under the slogan “Safe Roads, Prosperous Country, Bangladesh First”.
To strengthen road safety measures, the government is preparing to enact a comprehensive road safety law by 2027.
Following the 2018 student-led movement demanding road safety, the government passed the Road Transport Act and issued 17 directives through the Prime Minister’s Office.
A government-appointed committee made 111 recommendations in 2019 to reduce crashes and restore discipline in the transport sector. A high-level task force was subsequently formed to oversee their implementation.
However, while the law came into effect in November 2019, the accompanying Road Transport Rules were approved in December 2022.
Key provisions, including mandatory appointment letters for public transport drivers, regulated working hours, adequate rest periods and accountability of vehicle owners, remain inadequately enforced.
The National Road Safety Council, the government’s highest policymaking body on road safety, has not met since November 15, 2022, although it is supposed to convene at least once every six months or as required.
Meanwhile, the National Road Safety Strategic Action Plan for 2021-2024 has expired, with no new plan approved and no comprehensive assessment of its implementation made public.
Insufficient personnel and logistical support remain major obstacles to enforcing traffic laws.
According to a highway police report published in May this year, the force had around 3,030 personnel and 99 patrol vehicles, seven of which were out of service.
Police officials estimate that at least 6,000 more personnel and 250 patrol vehicles are needed for effective highway policing.
“Our law enforcement and manpower capacities are inadequate. As a result, traffic violators often escape punishment,” Anisur Rahman, an additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic division, told The Daily Star.
The continued operation of unauthorised three-wheelers, including Nasimons and Karimons, on highways also highlights gaps in enforcement.
According to the data of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), over 6.26 lakh registered vehicles lacked updated fitness certificates as of July 2025, while another 80,309 commercial vehicles had exceeded their prescribed economic life.
The government has introduced the Motor Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling Guideline, 2026, to facilitate the removal of such vehicles.
The increase in the number of motorcycles on the roads has heightened road safety concerns.
According to BRTA, the number of registered motorcycles more than doubled from 24.13 lakh in 2018 to 50.80 lakh in August 2026.
Talking to this newspaper, Kazi Shifun Newaz, assistant professor at Buet’s Accident Research Institute, said the technical measures to enhance road safety already exist but are not being implemented effectively.
He stressed the importance of enforcing speed limits, controlling light vehicles, and conducting mandatory road safety inspections.
PROPOSED LAW
The Road Transport and Highways Division has prepared a draft Road Safety Act, 2026, containing 15 chapters, 111 sections, and two schedules.
The proposed law seeks to strengthen institutional accountability, improve road infrastructure, regulate driver behaviour and vehicle standards, and ensure emergency medical care for crash victims.
Government and private hospitals and clinics would be required to provide immediate treatment without demanding registration, tickets or advance payments.
Mandatory safety audits for road construction and renovation, identification of crash-prone locations and accountability for defects in road design, construction and maintenance have been proposed.
The draft also includes provisions for footpaths, safe crossings, ramps, and facilities for people with disabilities.
The maximum prescribed punishment for repeat traffic offences would be doubled, alongside driving licence demerit points. Penalties are also proposed for using mobile phones, smoking, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving.
Speaking to this correspondent, Anisur Rahman, additional secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, said his division, BRTA, police, and relevant health sector agencies are working together to improve road safety through better management and improved post-crash care.
Regarding fatalities from motorcycle crashes, he said, “A large number of working-age people are losing their lives. Guidelines on helmet standards are being developed to reduce such crashes and fatalities. The use of helmets has been made mandatory for motorcyclists and pillion riders. Some additional rules have also been introduced for motorcycle movement on highways.”