
A grim report released by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF) on Saturday revealed that at least 532 people, including 98 children, were killed in road accidents across Bangladesh in March.
The data highlights a distressing rise in fatalities, particularly among the country's most vulnerable road users.
According to the report, which was compiled from national dailies, online portals, and electronic media, a total of 576 road accidents occurred during the month, leaving 2,221 others injured.
Children accounted for nearly 20% of the total deaths, while 66 women were also among the victims.
Motorbike accidents emerged as the primary cause of fatalities, claiming 204 lives—representing over 38% of the total death toll.
Pedestrians also faced significant risks, with 79 individuals killed, making up nearly 15% of the victims. Additionally, the report noted that 66 drivers and their assistants lost their lives during this period.
The organization also tracked casualties across other modes of transport, reporting 12 deaths and 27 injuries in 14 waterway accidents. Meanwhile, 67 people were killed and 224 injured in 48 railway-related incidents.
The RSF analysis showed that most accidents occurred on regional roads, accounting for nearly 46% of crashes, followed by national highways at approximately 30%. A significant portion of these tragedies—over 40%—was linked to vehicles losing control.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 137 deaths resulting from 126 accidents. In the capital city alone, 28 people were killed in 46 separate crashes.
Statistics at a Glance
Total Fatalities: 532
Child Fatalities: 98
Motorbike Deaths: 204 (38% of total)
Total Accidents: 576
Daily Average Deaths: 17.16 (Up from 15.42 in Feb)
Top Danger Zone: Regional Roads (46% of accidents)
The report highlighted a worrying upward trend in road violence. The daily average death toll in March rose to 17.16, an 11% increase compared to the February average of 15.42.
The Road Safety Foundation identified "excessive speed, reckless driving, unfit vehicles, and poor road conditions" as the primary drivers of these crashes.
To address the crisis, the organization stressed the urgent need for "stricter enforcement, technology-based monitoring, and better driver training to curb the rising death toll."
With Inputs from UNB




