Bagerhat, Nov 09 (V7N) — Frequent road accidents on the Mongla–Khulna highway have sparked growing public concern, as lives continue to be lost almost daily. In response, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a human chain on Sunday afternoon at the Rampal section of the highway, demanding the road’s immediate expansion into six lanes to curb deadly collisions.
The hour-long protest was attended by local leaders and residents. Speakers at the event included Rampal Upazila Jamaat Ameer Mallik Abdul Hai, Upazila Secretary Maulana Jihadul Islam, Bagerhat District Assistant Secretary Professor Iqbal Hossain, and Rampal Sadar Union Secretary Md. Sheroan Sheikh.
During the demonstration, speakers alleged that the concerned authorities have remained indifferent to the alarming rise in road accidents along this busy route. They said vehicles often violate traffic laws with reckless speed, particularly those belonging to the Navy and Coast Guard, which frequently travel the highway without regulation.
The participants criticized the lack of visible action by the Roads and Highways Department and Highway Police. They demanded immediate measures to enhance traffic monitoring and improve road safety infrastructure. “If the authorities fail to upgrade the highway to six lanes soon, we will announce tougher programs to press our demand,” warned the speakers.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi district, six people were seriously injured in a road accident on Saturday morning. The crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. in front of Tofazzal Manik Mia Degree College on the Bhandaria–Kathalia road.
Eyewitnesses said a battery-powered autorickshaw overturned after being hit from behind by a tomtom vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The injured included the autorickshaw driver, a child, and several elderly passengers. Locals rushed three critically injured victims to Kathalia Upazila Health Complex, while others received first aid at the scene.
Residents across both districts have called for stronger traffic enforcement, better road management, and prompt government action to prevent further loss of life on regional highways.
Comment: