Bangladesh activists demand road safety laws ahead of national elections

Road crashes remain one of the biggest killers in Bangladesh, with around 5,000 deaths and over 10,000 injuries each year. Yet, despite the heavy toll on families and the economy, political parties have failed to address the issue in past election pledges. Now, a coalition of safety advocates is pushing for urgent reform ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.

The Road Transport Act, 2018 and its 2022 rules fall short on key safety measures. They lack proper crash investigations, data collection, and protections for pedestrians. Experts warn the real death toll could be far higher than official figures, with WHO and NGOs suggesting underreporting by government agencies.

A press conference, moderated by Kazi Borhan Uddin, saw representatives from multiple organisations unite under the Road Safety Coalition Bangladesh. They called for a new law based on the Safe System Approach—a proven method to reduce crashes. The coalition stressed that no major party, including Awami League or BNP, has ever committed to comprehensive road safety reform in their election manifestos.

With the 13th parliamentary election approaching, the group is urging all parties to make road safety a priority. Their demand is clear: a dedicated Road Safety Law must be included in party pledges to prevent further loss of life.

The push for reform comes as road crashes continue to devastate communities across Bangladesh. Without stronger laws, the annual death and injury toll is unlikely to drop. The coalition's call now puts pressure on political leaders to act before the next government takes office.