Abu Momtaz Ziad Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), has warned that the country’s efforts to develop skilled human resources will be undermined if road accidents are not prevented.
“About 32 per cent of road accident victims are aged between 5 and 29, who represent the nation’s future potential. But due to unexpected deaths and injuries on the roads, we are losing that potential,” he said.
Ahmed made the remarks while distributing compensation cheques to families of road accident victims at the Khulna Circuit House. Cheques were handed over to families from Khulna and Bagerhat districts, each worth Taka 5 lakh.
The programme was presided over by Khulna Additional Deputy Magistrate Dipankar Das and conducted by BRTA Khulna Divisional Director Md Ziaur Rahman. Other attendees included Khulna District Motor Bus Owners’ Association General Secretary Robiul Islam, Joint Secretary Babul Hossain, Yasin Molla, and Khulna Motor Workers’ Union President Zahid Khan. Fazlul Haque Moni spoke on behalf of the victim families.
The BRTA chairman stressed that no single group or individual can be solely blamed for road accidents. He highlighted that weak road infrastructure, unskilled drivers, careless pedestrians, and violations of traffic laws collectively contribute to accidents, and that everyone must remain alert and responsible.
He also noted initiatives for driver skill development, including the creation of master trainers to train professional drivers. Systematic training for drivers and helpers of public transport is planned to develop a skilled workforce.
Ahmed urged victim families to submit applications for compensation within 30 days of an accident, using the BRTA-prescribed form.
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