At least 376 people were killed and 1,500 others injured in separate road accidents across the country during Eid-ul-Fitr vacation.
Of the deceased, a total of 156 people died in 128 separate motorcycle accidents.
According to a report published by Road Safety Foundation (RSF) issued on Thursday, both the number of accidents and deaths witnessed a rising trend in this Eid-ul Fitr than the last year’s festival.
The statistics showed some 239 accidents took place where 314 people died in Eid-ul Fitr in 2021 while this year, a total of 376 people were killed 283 road accidents took place in 14 days from April 25 to May 8.
Among the deceased, 38 were women and 51 children.
During the same period, five people were killed, two were injured and two were missing in seven waterways accidents while 19 were killed and three were injured in 17 railways accidents, the report said.
Of the accidents, 132 occurred on national highways, 87 on regional roads, 41 in rural areas and 23 in urban areas.
The report, prepared on the basis of news reports published in different media, was published at a press conference at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity, said a press release issued by the association.
The association also blamed reckless driving, movement of all types on vehicles on highways, absence of road signs and signals, extortion and carrying of passengers on goods-laden vehicles.
They urged the government to train drivers, check fitness of all vehicles, introduce service lanes on highways, stop extortion on roads, road signs and markings, strict implementation of the Road Transport Act 2018, increase number of public transports, check irregularities in government agencies, and construct standard quality roads.