Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said road accidents and related deaths in Bangladesh can be halved by 2030 through raising awareness among drivers and pedestrians, enforcing effective laws, and ensuring emergency medical services.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at Sarak Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka, during the inauguration ceremony of 60 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, 40 motorcycle ambulances, and 80 highway patrol motorcycles under Bangladesh Road Safety Project (BRSP).
Stressing that preventing loss of life and securing rapid medical care are top priorities, the minister announced that an integrated Safe Road Act will be formulated by December 2027.
Other initiatives include relocating markets away from highways, constructing necessary diversions at regional road junctions, and setting up clear road markings and signage.
He identified unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers, excessive speed, non-use of helmets, and pedestrian negligence as the main causes of accidents, calling for strict law enforcement and enhanced driver training. Under the BRSP, driver training and physical fitness evaluation facilities have been established.
To ensure rapid medical response, the newly launched ambulances will be deployed every 10 kilometres along major highways, and separate trauma units are planned in roadside hospitals.
The minister also confirmed plans to revitalise existing trauma centres across the country. The BRSP, funded jointly by the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, is the country’s first multi-sectoral initiative based on a “Safe System Approach.”
Jointly implemented by Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and Directorate General of Health Services, the 60 BLS ambulances will be deployed on Joydebpur-Hatikamrul-Bogura-Rangpur, Hatikamrul-Natore-Rajshahi, and Joydebpur-Mymensingh national highways.
The minister emphasised that World Bank loans and government funds must be spent effectively to ensure public benefit.
Speaking as special guests, State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Habibur Rashid described the launch as a milestone, adding that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly to build a safe, liveable, and developed Bangladesh.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit highlighted the Ministry’s plans to establish a broader, effective ambulance network in line with the government’s election manifesto.
The ceremony was also attended by Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Health Education and Family Welfare Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Mohammad Ziaul Haque, World Bank Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme, and Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman.
