Concern over increased road fatalities in Tangail

Deaths in road accidents rose near-threefold in Tangail in 2019 – compared to the previous year.  

A total 112 people were killed – and 40 others injured – in as many as 63 road accidents in Tangail in the last year.

In 2018, the numbers were 44 people killed  – 127 injured – in 44 road accidents.    

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Tangail district office says the actual number of fatalities could be higher as the reported figures come from lawsuits lodged with local police stations.   

Police and the BRTA claim road accidents are increasing because people are reluctant to follow traffic laws. However, drivers said accidents are frequent as three-wheelers are plying on highways – defying a ban on the practice.

The Tangail-Mymensingh route – via Elenga-Bhuapur-Jamalpur – witnessed the most accidents in 2019 owing to numerous traffic irregularities. On average, 10,000 vehicles commute to north and north-eastern districts on the route every day.    

Tangail Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said there are frequent accidents as people neither know about road safety, nor are willing to obey traffic rules.     

On top of this, he blames unskilled drivers, jaywalkers, and the poor condition of vehicles for road accidents.  

Tangail District President Golam Kibria, of Nirapad Sarak Chaiand – a country-wide campaign for safer roads – said the non-profit organisation is working on building awareness.

Golam believes in the 2018 Road Transport Act and says if the law is strictly implemented it will decrease the number of road accidents.

Mohammad Abu Naim, Road Transport Authority assistant vehicle inspector (Tangail Circle), said the authority maintains firm standards while issuing licences and fitness certificates.

"We are working to curb the number of road accidents. Mobile courts are issuing fines for traffic violations," he concluded.