In certain spots of 32 km area of Rangpur-Dhaka highway, accidents have risen alarmingly. In the last six months, there have been 73 road accidents in this specified area. About fifty persons lost lives and more than 250 persons were wounded. The area which is experiencing accidents, starts from Gobindaganj going up to Dhaperhaat.
The number of mishaps is rising due to reckless picking and dropping of passengers, disregard for security measures at danger spots and absence of proper punishment of those responsible.
Gobindaganj highway and fire service sources say that from 26 January till 25 June of the current year, there have been 73 accidents with 42 lives lost.
The police usually lodges the case afterwards, and, currently, there are more than fifty cases at Gobindaganj thana.
Acting OC of Gobindaganj thana, Akhtaruzzaman, says: “accidents happen due to the absence of speed breakers at strategic locations.”
He also said that most of the accidents occur late at night when drivers either become tired or, give the steering to the helper, deciding to take some rest.
Gobindaganj Fire Service deputy director, Amirul Islam, says: “first, the reasons for the accidents need to be identified. The drivers have to be skilled and passengers need to be aware about road safety regulations.”
Those responsible for accidents should be given exemplary punishment, he added.
Polashbari upazila AL joint general secretary, Golam Sarwar Pradhan, Biplob, says: “administration has to maintain strict position on the fitness of the vehicles.”
Also, those accused of causing accidents go free, by dint of legal loopholes, he observed.
Meanwhile, Gaibandha roads and highways engineer, Md Asaduzzaman, underlined that there are warning signs on all bends and the Gaibandha road condition is better than before.
“Skilled drivers are essential to avoid accidents,” he opined.