RAJSHAHI, Aug 02 (V7N) — A total of 160 people were killed in 169 road accidents across Rajshahi district and the metropolitan area over the past year, according to police data, highlighting persistent road safety challenges in the region.
Police records show that 135 accidents occurred in Rajshahi district and 34 within Rajshahi Metropolitan Police jurisdiction. Authorities registered 169 cases in connection with the crashes.
Officials and road safety advocates attribute the high number of accidents to speeding, traffic rule violations, unlicensed or inadequately trained drivers, unfit vehicles, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations. The movement of slow-moving vehicles on major highways has also been identified as a contributing factor.
Several fatal crashes during the year drew public attention, including incidents involving trucks and buses that resulted in multiple deaths and sparked protests by local residents.
Police statistics indicate that nearly half of all reported crashes involved motorcycles, while around 40 accidents were linked to trucks or dump trucks, suggesting that road safety concerns extend across multiple vehicle categories.
Dr. Amanullah Bin Akhtar Abid, an official of the road safety advocacy group Nirapad Sarak Chai (We Demand Safe Roads), said improved road infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and greater public awareness are essential to reducing fatalities.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Nur Alam Siddiqui said public awareness remains one of the biggest challenges. He noted that many drivers operate vehicles without valid driving licences and said police continue to conduct awareness campaigns and traffic safety programmes to encourage compliance with road safety regulations.
Road safety experts say sustained enforcement, improved infrastructure, and responsible behaviour by both drivers and pedestrians will be critical to reducing the number of fatal crashes in the region.
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