Roads grow more lethal during Eid, data shows

A total of 3,067 people have been killed and 6,996 injured in road accidents during eight Eid periods over the past four years, according to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity. Statistics from the past decade suggest that highways across the country have effectively become “death traps”.

Transport experts say that passenger pressure on roads, railways and waterways multiplies ahead of Eid, often accompanied by congestion, accidents, overcharging of fares, ticket shortages and extortion.

As a result, what should be a joyful journey frequently turns into one marked by anxiety and hardship.

Despite repeated assurances of preparedness by the authorities, these problems recur every year.

Authorities typically announce measures such as increased highway patrols, mobile courts and coordination with transport workers’ unions, alongside integrated planning across road, rail and river routes. However, implementation remains weak.

Research shows that road accidents rise significantly in the days before and after Eid. The rush to reach destinations quickly, fatigued drivers, overloading of passengers, unfit vehicles and untrained drivers all contribute to the heightened risk, compounded by poor highway management.
Alarming statistics

In 2022, during Eid-ul-Fitr, 372 road accidents claimed 443 lives and injured 868 people. Motorcycles accounted for 164 accidents and 145 deaths—44.08 per cent of the total. During Eid-ul-Azha the same year, 354 accidents killed 440 people and injured 791, with 131 deaths from 113 motorcycle accidents (35.42 per cent).

In 2023, Eid-ul-Fitr saw 304 accidents, leaving 328 dead and 565 injured. Motorcycle accidents alone claimed 167 lives—54.3 per cent of the total. Eid-ul-Azha recorded 312 accidents, 340 deaths and 569 injuries, including 94 deaths from 91 motorcycle crashes (32.85 per cent).

In 2024, Eid-ul-Fitr recorded 419 accidents, killing 438 people and injuring 1,424, with motorcycles accounting for 49.62 per cent of cases. During Eid-ul-Azha, 309 accidents resulted in 336 deaths and 762 injuries.

In 2025, over a 15-day Eid-ul-Fitr period, 340 accidents left 352 people dead and 835 injured. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 151 deaths in 135 incidents (42 per cent). During Eid-ul-Azha, 379 accidents killed 390 people and injured 1,182, with 147 deaths in 134 motorcycle accidents (35.35 per cent).

These figures underline the serious safety risks associated with Eid travel, particularly involving motorcycles.

Police headquarters has issued safety advice, urging travellers to plan journeys in advance, prioritise personal and family safety, avoid pressuring drivers to speed, and refrain from travelling on rooftops or in goods vehicles.

Speaking at a recent event, Road Transport, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam acknowledged that disruptions and accidents may occur during Eid travel but authorities are prepared to respond swiftly.

He added that congestion-prone areas have been identified for additional monitoring.
Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, said drivers often rush and operate multiple trips without rest, encouraged by owners seeking higher profits. “If owners allow drivers adequate rest and avoid pushing for extra trips, accidents can be reduced,” he said, adding that safe driving is a moral responsibility.

Experts also point to the dangers of motorcycles. Carrying more than two passengers or heavy loads makes balance difficult, especially when affected by airflow from larger vehicles. Long-distance motorcycle travel during Eid significantly increases accident risks.

BUET accident researcher Kazi Md Saifun Newaz noted that three types of accidents are most common during Eid: head-on collisions, vehicle overturning and pedestrian crashes. He attributed this to higher speeds on relatively empty roads and pressure on drivers to complete more trips.

Highway Police Chief Additional IGP Md Delwar Hossain Mia said strict measures are being taken to control motorcycles and three-wheelers on highways. However, he noted enforcement challenges, citing around 662 access points along the Dhaka–Chattogram highway through which smaller vehicles often enter.

Despite these challenges, authorities have expressed hope that this year’s Eid journey will be safer and more orderly than before.