At least 298 people have been killed and 860 injured in 256 accidents across Bangladesh—from May 30 to June 11 during Eid journeys—Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity has said.
The information was published in a study unveiled by Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS), at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, in Dhaka’s Shegunbagicha on Saturday.
Stating that the Eid journey was better organized this year, BJSK—an organization working on passenger's rights—demanded that Tk 10,000 crore of the national budget's transportation sector be allocated to road-safety-related development.
Mozammel Hoque, the general secretary of BJKS who presented the report, said, compared to Eid last year, the numbers of accidents, injuries, and deaths is comparatively less this year.
The BJKS report said at least 298 people were killed—and 860 others were injured—in some 256 in accidents on road, river and railways across the country. Among them, 273 people were killed in 232 road accidents this year – where 849 people were injured.
However, according to the BJKS report, the number of deaths is the lowest in the last three years.
Mozammel said the following are reasons behind road accidents this year: reckless driving, drivers' carelessness, violations of traffic rules, the plying of a large numbers of motorcycles and three-wheelers on the roads and highways, non-compliance with the government decision that no trucks should drive during Eid festivals, and travelling by motorbike to other districts.
He said there was a 19.39% decrease in road accidents; while the number of deaths was 24.17% lower, and injuries decreased to 48.99%.
Some 33% of the road accidents were caused by a motorcycle or a vehicle that was involved with one, he added.
However, the road conditions have improved by at least 10% this year, Mozammel observed.
In their recommendation, he demanded Tk 10,000 crore be allocated for road safety development, from the budget allocated for transportation this year.
Replying to a query, he said: “The government has given the necessary budget, to the ministry that has been asked, for the betterment of the passengers and travellers. From the money, we demanded the ministry spend Tk 10,000 for development related to passengers’ safety on the road.”
BJKS placed a 10-point proposal with authorities concerned for ensuring safe and uninterrupted journeys for holidaymakers during Eid.
While asked what the government should do to prevent the continuing number of road accidents during the Eid rush, he said that primarily, the government needs to ensure good governance on the roads. The government must carry-on improving the scenario for the upcoming Eids as well.
Responding to a question, he said although this Eid saw better management than the previous year’s, the government was criticized for mismanaging its e-ticket system for railway tickets.
“We hope the government will learn from the mistakes it made this Eid; and be more prepared and organized for upcoming Eid festivals.”