NN Special :
Over the past year, the southern region of Bangladesh including Faridpur and Madaripur has witnessed an alarming number of road accidents.
According to official data, 406 road accidents occurred on 427 kilometers of national highways, resulting in the deaths of 290 people and injuries to 784 others. In total, 1,074 individuals were either killed or injured.
Experts said that the alarming rise in highway fatalities in Faridpur is a combination of poor road conditions, reckless driving, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.
Cracked pavements, faded markings, and the absence of proper signage create hazardous driving environments, while overspeeding, risky overtaking, and driver fatigue further escalate the danger.
Despite existing regulations, authorities struggle with limited manpower and resources, leading to lax monitoring and minimal accountability. Legal and transport analysts warn that without urgent, coordinated action, the highways will continue to operate as death traps.
These highways fall under the jurisdiction of the Faridpur-Madaripur zone, which includes several major national routes connecting the southern districts to Dhaka and other key regions.
Transport experts and local authorities have raised concerns about reckless driving, lack of proper road maintenance, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws as major contributing factors.
Residents and commuters regularly using these routes have expressed fear and frustration over the deteriorating safety conditions.
Calls for stricter monitoring, improved infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns have grown louder in the wake of these tragic figures.
Barrister Nafisa Majumder, Road Safety and Transport Law Specialist, told The New Nation, “The high number of fatalities reflects not just reckless driving but a systemic failure in enforcement and accountability. We have laws in place, but implementation is weak.
Those responsible for negligence whether drivers, transport owners, or government agencies must be held legally accountable. Without strict enforcement, this trend will only worsen.”
Dr. Ahsan Kabir, Professor of Civil Engineering at DIU, told The New Nation “Our highway infrastructure has expanded, but safety planning hasn’t kept pace. Many of these roads lack basic safety features like proper signage, pedestrian crossings, and emergency lanes.
Additionally, driver training and licensing procedures are often flawed. A multi-pronged approach involving engineering, education, and enforcement is essential.”
Superintendent Abdul Jalil, Highway Police (Faridpur Zone), told The New Nation
“We patrol regularly and conduct drives against unfit vehicles and unlicensed drivers. However, limited manpower and resources are major challenges.
Also, many accidents occur due to overspeeding, risky overtaking, and driver fatigue. We urge transport owners to prioritize safety over profit and call on the public to report violations.”
The continuous rise in road accidents in the region highlights the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
