Govt targets 50% cut in deaths, injuries by 2030
A car lost control and crashed into a roadside tree in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Photo: Collected
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A car lost control and crashed into a roadside tree in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Photo: Collected
Highlights:
- Loss from road accidents amounted to Tk21,880cr in 2024
- 6,729 road accidents occurred in 2025
- Resulted in 9,111 deaths
- 14,812 injuries
- Losses increased compared to previous years
Every year, road accidents in the country cause financial losses amounting to Tk60,000 crore. Thousands of people are killed or injured annually in these accidents, many of whom are left permanently disabled, while significant losses also occur due to damage to vehicles and goods.
A report by the road transport and highways division highlights this alarming situation and sets a target to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from road accidents by 50% by 2030.
The report was presented today (29 March) at a nationwide meeting on preventing road accidents and improving overall road safety. The meeting was chaired by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam.
An official present at the meeting, speaking to TBS on condition of anonymity, said a large portion of those killed or injured in road accidents are part of the workforce, resulting in major losses to national productivity and human resources.
Significant expenses are also incurred for medical treatment and rehabilitation of those who become disabled. In addition, damages to vehicles, loss of transported goods, and legal costs contribute to the overall financial loss.
The official added that estimates are prepared using different methodologies and data sources by BRTA, the road safety foundation, and BUET’s accident research institute. The figures presented at the meeting were based on BRTA data.
According to BRTA estimates, road accidents account for 1.08% of GDP in FY2024–25. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics show that the country’s GDP at current prices stood at Tk55,15,026 crore for that fiscal year.
At a seminar in October 2025, the organisation Nirapad Sarak Chai cited a World Safety Foundation report stating that financial losses from road accidents in Bangladesh amounted to Tk21,880 crore in 2024.
On 4 January, the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity said at a press conference that 6,729 road accidents occurred in 2025, resulting in 9,111 deaths and 14,812 injuries.
The report identified several key causes of road accidents, including reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, flawed road construction, unfit vehicles, drivers’ health issues, excessive driving hours without rest, and lack of awareness among pedestrians.
Sources said the meeting decided that the government would adopt short-, medium-, and long-term plans to prevent road accidents.
BRTA will act as the lead agency in formulating and implementing these plans, and its organisational structure will be strengthened.
It was also decided that all drivers will be brought under mandatory dope testing. Within the next week, the road transport division will request teams from 10 medical colleges to conduct these tests regularly on roads and highways. Drivers who test positive will face penalties.
Additionally, the implementation of a demerit point system under the Road Transport Act 2018 is also under consideration to further reduce accidents.
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