Khulna, Oct 23 (V7N) – A total of 616 road accidents took place across 10 districts of Khulna Division between October 2024 and September 2025, resulting in 613 deaths and 614 injuries, according to data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). During this period, 892 vehicles were involved in accidents—most of which were motorcycles.

Jessore recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 107 people killed and 104 injured in 109 accidents. In Khulna district, 34 accidents occurred, claiming 43 lives and injuring 38 others.

BRTA’s Khulna Divisional Deputy Director, Engineer Tanvir Ahmed, confirmed that all 10 districts reported fatal incidents during the year. Bagerhat recorded 48 accidents, leaving 45 dead and 58 injured. Satkhira saw 39 accidents, killing 50 and injuring 43. Narail reported 25 accidents, with 30 deaths and 42 injuries. Magura recorded 44 accidents, killing 48 and injuring 42, while Jhenaidah experienced 84 accidents that killed 83 people and injured 44.

Kushtia saw 103 accidents, killing 100 and injuring 104, while Chuadanga had 83 accidents that claimed 60 lives and injured 74. Meherpur reported 47 accidents, leaving 47 dead and 65 injured.

Experts and local observers pointed to multiple causes behind the alarming rate of accidents. They cited weak law enforcement, lack of coordination among authorities, insufficient driver training, and competition among reckless drivers as major factors. The movement of small and unfit vehicles such as Nasimon, Karimon, Easybikes, and battery-run rickshaws on highways has further worsened the situation.

Advocate Babul Howlader, Member Secretary of Khulna Civil Society, said road safety failures stem largely from mismanagement and lack of enforcement. He emphasized that many deaths could be prevented if engineering faults on roads were addressed and monitoring was intensified.

He also noted that “competition among drivers on highways—trying to overtake one another—is a key cause of many tragic accidents.”

Despite repeated awareness campaigns, the roads of Khulna Division continue to claim lives daily, leaving families shattered and highlighting the urgent need for stronger road safety measures, stricter vehicle regulation, and sustainable transport management.

END/SDA/SMA/