A total of 696 people lost their lives and 1,867 others were injured in 689 road accidents across Bangladesh in June, according to a report released today. On average, 23 people died each day in road crashes during the month.
The report, compiled by the Road Safety Foundation based on data from national newspapers, online news portals, electronic media, and its own sources, shows a 22.55% increase in fatalities compared to the month of May. The estimated economic loss from these accidents stands at approximately Tk 24,632 crore.
Among the deceased, 104 were women (15.09%) and 109 were children (15.82%). The most vulnerable group appeared to be motorcyclists, with 228 riders and passengers killed—making up 32.75% of total deaths.
In addition, 120 pedestrians (17.24%) and 106 drivers and their assistants (15.22%) also died in the crashes. In terms of causes, the majority—306 incidents (44.41%)—occurred due to loss of vehicle control.
This was followed by 167 head-on collisions (24.23%) and 124 run-over incidents involving pedestrians (18%). The analysis also revealed time-specific patterns: most accidents happened in the morning (26.26%) and in the late afternoon (20.75%).
Regarding locations, 42.96% of the accidents took place on national highways and 35.26% on regional roads. Dhaka Division reported the highest number of accidents—202—resulting in 187 deaths.
The report warned that the increasing trend of road accidents is deeply alarming. Key contributing factors include reckless driving, lack of driver training, mental unfitness of drivers, and pedestrian carelessness.
It recommended not only strict enforcement of traffic laws but also structural reforms in traffic management and wide-reaching awareness campaigns through both traditional and social media platforms.
