A total of 281 people lost their lives and 837 others sustained injuries in 292 road accidents across Bangladesh during the 13-day Eid-ul-Azha travel period from 21 May to 2 June, according to a report released by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
The report revealed that an average of 22 people were killed every day during the holiday travel rush. Among the victims were 34 women and 48 children, highlighting the widespread impact of road accidents during one of the country’s busiest travel seasons.
Motorcycle accidents emerged as the leading cause of fatalities. A total of 124 people died in 141 motorcycle crashes, accounting for more than 44 per cent of all deaths recorded during the period. Nearly half of all road accidents involved motorcycles, underscoring growing concerns over reckless riding and inadequate safety measures.
The report also showed that pedestrians accounted for 37 deaths, while drivers and their assistants made up 33 fatalities. Other victims included passengers travelling in buses, trucks, private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, easy-bikes and locally made transport.
Beyond road accidents, the RSF recorded 13 waterway accidents that killed eight people and injured 15 others. Meanwhile, 22 railway accidents resulted in 17 deaths and nine injuries.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of casualties, with 101 deaths in 95 accidents. Faridpur District reported the highest district-level death toll, with 28 fatalities.
According to the foundation, speeding, reckless motorcycle use, poor vehicle fitness, weak traffic management and unqualified drivers remain the primary causes of accidents. While the daily death average was lower than last year's Eid period, RSF warned that the decline does not indicate any significant improvement in overall road safety and called for long-term transport reforms to reduce future casualties.
