Published: 12:34 AM, 23 May 2026
'Govt working to ensure safe roads'
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said the government is working in an integrated way to ensure safer roads across the country.
"Various initiatives are being implemented to reduce road accidents, including infrastructure development, training skilled drivers, controlling unfit vehicles, and increasing public awareness," he told an event at District Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on Friday, BSS reports.
Cumilla District Administration and the BRTA Trustee Board organized the event of cheque distribution among road accident victims and family members.
The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to support the families affected by road accidents.
Around 4,000 to 4,500 people lose their lives in road accidents every year in Bangladesh, which is deeply concerning, he said.
Noting the government is sincerely working to reduce road accidents, he said unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers, and lack of public awareness have been identified as the three main causes of accidents.
Therefore, strict monitoring and effective measures are being taken to address the problems, he said.
"It is not enough only to urge the public to be aware, rather transport owners, drivers, and all concerned parties must act responsibly," he said.
Defective vehicles should not be allowed on the roads, and vehicles must only be operated by skilled drivers, he said.
The minister said accidents can be significantly reduced through the construction of underpasses and overpasses at risky highway intersections, expansion of safe U-turn facilities, and road widening projects.
Expressing sympathy for the affected families, the minister said that although the state cannot bring back the lost beloved ones, it will stand beside the victims' families.
The government is working on ways to rehabilitate families who lose their earning members in accidents. Discussions are also ongoing for giving priority to affected family members in education, employment, and other services, he said.
State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid said the government has taken a stance on strict execution of traffic laws, producing skilled drivers, and ensuring vehicle fitness.
He added that all relevant agencies have been instructed to work in coordination to ensure safe and smooth travel during the upcoming Eid.
Cheques worth a total of Taka 4.89 crore were distributed among injured road accident victims and the families of those killed in Cumilla.
Concerned government officials and local MP and public representatives were present.
Earlier, the road transport minister visited the Meghna-Gumti Bridge toll plaza to inspect preparations for safe, comfortable, and uninterrupted Eid travel. He gave necessary instructions to improve passenger services.
