As many as 4,356 people were killed in road accidents across the country last year, road safety advocacy group Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) said at a press conference yesterday. Ilias Kanchan, NISCHA founder and chairman, presented the report at a press briefing held at the National Press Club. Aside from road accidents, 198 others were killed in train accidents, the report said. The report was compiled on the basis of reports published in six national dailies, online portals, TV channels and branches of NISCHA. At least 4,702 road accidents were reported last year. The report also said that 6,953 people were injured in road accidents last year. Besides, 871 people died while receiving treatment and after being discharged from hospitals. Quoting the report, Ilias Kanchan said among the deceased, around 1,190 were drivers and their assistants. At present, some 27,86,954 motorcycles are registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). Among them, some 13,06,703 motorcycle owners or motorcyclists have licences, while the rest are driving motorcycles without one, according to the report.

Ilias Kanchan said the government’s development projects would not be successful unless the accident rate fell. He also said that the Road Transport Act has been implemented to restore road discipline and to reduce the number of accidents. “It is not for imprisoning people or collecting fines from them. The purpose is not to punish anyone. If you all follow the new regulations, then discipline will return. And if the discipline

actually returns, then why is there any fear of fines?”

NISCHA’s founder also hoped that the current rate of road accidents can be significantly reduced. “If we stay aware and follow the rules, I believe we can reduce the accident rate by 50 per cent in 2020,” he said.