Eid travel turns tragic
Train–bus crash in Cumilla among incidents that claim 32 lives nationwide
In its last issue before the Eid vacation began on 19 March, The New Nation reported that “Roads grow more lethal during Eid, data shows.”
Tragically, this Eid has once again validated the warning, as roads and rail crossings across the country turned into death traps, claiming dozens of lives in accidents in several districts within 24 hours of Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to reports published in various media outlets, at least 32 people were killed and more than 100 injured in road and rail accidents across the country from Eid day to the following morning of Eid in 2026.
The accidents were reported in at least 15 districts, including Cumilla, Habiganj, Feni and Mymensingh, highlighting the persistent dangers associated with Eid travel.
The deadliest incident occurred in Cumilla’s Sadar Dakshin upazila, where a devastating train–bus collision at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing left at least 12 people dead and around 20 injured early on Sunday.
Local sources said a Chattogram-bound mail train struck a passenger bus belonging to Mamun Paribahan while it was crossing the railway line in the Jangalya Kachua area, crushing the vehicle and killing 12 people on the spot, including seven men, three women and two children.
In Habiganj’s Madhabpur upazila, four people, including women and children, were killed when a pickup van lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in the Andiura area.
In Feni, three people were killed and three others injured when a bus rammed into an ambulance on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Rampur early Sunday morning.
Several other districts also reported fatalities. In Natore’s Baraigram, an engineer was killed after a private car crashed into a parked truck on the Natore–Pabna highway on the eve of his wedding.
Two motorcyclists were killed in Kishoreganj’s Kuliarchar after being hit by a pickup van, while in Sunamganj, two friends died when their motorcycle crashed into a tree during an Eid outing.
A young motorcyclist was killed in Teknaf after colliding with a tourist vehicle on the Shah Porir Dwip road, and a teenager died in Naogaon after a locally-made vehicle overturned into a pond during Eid celebrations.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep shock and sorrow over the Cumilla train–bus collision and ordered an immediate investigation into the causes of the accident.
He directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide financial assistance to the families of the victims.
The Prime Minister also warned that exemplary legal action would be taken against those responsible for negligence in such incidents.
Road safety experts say such tragedies are not unexpected during Eid.
Police research has identified five major causes of road accidents, with reckless driving accounting for 42 per cent of incidents.
Drivers often blame fatigue caused by long working hours and pressure to make extra trips during the holiday rush.
Studies also show that the surge in traffic during Eid significantly increases accident risks and casualties.
Although accident rates tend to be slightly higher during Eid-ul-Azha, the overall pattern remains similar in both major festivals, with recurring casualties every year.
The research recommends stricter monitoring and improved road management during Eid to reduce fatalities.
Saidur Rahman of the Road Safety Foundation said repeated warnings to authorities have largely gone unheeded.
In the race for profit, transport owners and drivers act recklessly, turning roads into death traps during Eid travel.
Rising motorcycle accidents among young speed-hungry riders are further worsening the situation.
Experts emphasise that without strict enforcement of traffic laws, better regulation of transport operations and improved coordination among authorities, Eid will continue to bring not only festive joy but also recurring tragedies on the country’s roads.
