Dhaka, July 11: In Bangladesh, between January and June of this year, approximately 360 students lost their lives in road accidents, with an additional 109 injured. This alarming statistic was released by the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (Jatri Kalyan Samity) in a statement on Saturday.
According to reports from UNB news agency, the association’s Secretary General, Mojammel Haque Chowdhury, highlighted the need for increased awareness of road safety among students. He made these remarks on the 15th anniversary of the tragic Mirsharai road accident that claimed numerous lives. “By raising awareness about road safety among students, we can create safer roads and a more disciplined society,” he stated.
Chowdhury emphasized the importance of regular road safety awareness programs involving students, teachers, and parents to prevent tragedies like Mirsharai from recurring. He pointed out that every year, a significant number of students fall victim to road accidents, with many sustaining injuries and some becoming permanently disabled.
The association’s data reveals that in January, 57 students died in 57 road accidents, while 22 were injured. February saw 39 accidents resulting in 47 student fatalities and 11 injuries. March was the deadliest month, with 67 students losing their lives in 59 accidents, and one student injured. In April, 56 students died in 51 accidents, and 25 were injured. May recorded the highest number of accidents at 61, resulting in 73 student deaths and 23 injuries. June followed with 53 accidents, leading to 60 student fatalities and 27 injuries.
Chowdhury recalled the tragic Mirsharai incident on July 11, 2011, when a mini truck carrying students from various schools in the Mirsharai sub-district of Chattogram lost control and fell into a roadside ditch, resulting in the deaths of 45 individuals, including students. This incident is still regarded as one of the most horrific single-vehicle accidents in Bangladesh’s history.
He criticized the government for failing to implement effective awareness campaigns regarding student road safety following the tragedy. As a result, there has been insufficient awareness among students and parents, leading to a high number of young lives lost in road accidents each year.
To prevent such incidents in the future, the Jatri Kalyan Samity has presented five key recommendations to the government. These include incorporating road safety topics into school curricula, conducting at least one hour of road safety awareness sessions each month, and involving experts in these sessions.
The committee has also called for the installation of zebra crossings at all pedestrian crossing points on national and regional highways, especially near schools, along with clear signage in school zones.
Additionally, they recommend deploying ‘Road Safety Guards’ wearing red flags and reflective vests near national and regional highways close to schools to stop traffic and safely guide students across the road. The committee has also urged the formation of road safety committees involving students and teachers in every educational institution.
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