A total of 422 workers lost their lives in 373 workplace accidents across Bangladesh during the first six months of 2025, according to a survey conducted by the non-governmental organization Safety and Rights Society (SRS).
The figure represents a slight decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 475 workers were killed in 420 incidents.
The data was compiled through an analysis of reports from 26 national and regional newspapers. According to the findings, the highest number of fatalities occurred in the transportation sector, which accounted for 207 deaths.
This was followed by the service sector (65), agriculture (59), construction (59), and manufacturing and production (32).
An analysis of the causes of death revealed that road accidents were responsible for the majority of fatalities (267), followed by lightning strikes (56), electrocution (40), falls from heights (23), heavy object impacts (9), fire and explosions (12), wall or soil collapses (8), drowning (5), toxic gas exposure (1), and other causes (1).
SRS attributed the high number of deaths to a combination of factors, including poor infrastructure, unsafe machinery, technical flaws, and unregulated transport systems.
Additional contributing factors included untrained drivers, lack of awareness and safety training among workers, insufficient protective equipment, and employer negligence in complying with labor laws and safety policies.
The report also noted that excessive workloads, inadequate rest, natural disasters, and a lack of emergency medical services further increased the risk of fatal workplace accidents.
SRS Executive Director Sekendar Ali Mina emphasized that despite technological advancements and shifts in industrial practices, workplace fatalities continue to rise.
He stated that although the Labor Reform Commission has made recommendations concerning health and safety, these reforms will not benefit workers unless there is a meaningful improvement in working conditions and a reduction in preventable accidents.
