At least 312 people were killed and 1,057 injured in road accidents across the country in 12 days during the Eid holidays, according to a report released by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
The data shows an alarming 29.03% rise in fatalities compared to the same period last year, with an average of 26 deaths reported daily.
The estimated loss of human resources due to the accidents stands at Tk1,218.72 crore.
Among the deceased were 47 women and 63 children.
The report, compiled based on information from nine national dailies, seven online news portals, electronic media, and the RSF’s own sources, also highlights significant casualties from motorcycle crashes.
Motorcycles were involved in 121 accidents, killing 107 people—accounting for 34.29% of total fatalities and 34.87% of total crashes. Besides, 44 pedestrians (14.10%) and 51 drivers or their assistants (16.34%) also lost their lives.
The RSF also recorded nine waterway accidents resulting in 10 deaths and eight injuries, while 32 railway-related incidents killed 21 people and injured 17.
Vehicles involved in the accidents include 19.35% buses, 18% pick-up vans, covered vans and lorries, 8.31% private cars, jeeps and microbuses, 21.73% motorbikes, 21.39% battery-run human haulers, and 6.96% three-wheelers.
Of the accidents, 39.19% occurred on national highways, 34.87% on regional roads, and 16.13% on other roads.
The RSF report revealed that Dhaka division saw the highest number of deaths with 34.72% fatalities, while Sylhet division recorded the lowest number of accidents with just 3.74% fatalities.
At least 87 people died in 116 accidents in Dhaka division. Faridpur district recorded the highest number of crashes in any single district with 27 accidents and 19 deaths.
The RSF has emphasised the urgent need for stricter road safety regulations, enhanced law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to curb the growing number