Yet another student killed by speeding bus

A university student named Abrar Ahmed Chowdhury was killed on March 19 as a bus ran him over. He was reportedly using a zebra crossing near Jamuna Future Park of Pragati Sharani when the speeding bus ran him over during the early hours of the day. Besides being a student of Bangladesh University of Professionals, the victim was a road safety campaigner. Ironically, this happened at a time when Dhaka Metropolitan Police is observing a traffic week to bring discipline to the city streets.

On the same day, 10 more people were killed across Bangladesh in road accidents. The death of Abrar has led to protests by students. From the results of past incidents, it is understandable that such protests will do little to change the situation.

Dhaka city is not an easy place for pedestrians. Zebra crossings are not safe. The footpaths have mostly been invaded by illegal hawkers. Reckless driving, overloading, poor road conditions and unfit vehicles are responsible for the growing number of road accidents in the city.

Social awareness needs to be generated about road safety. The unrelenting bus and truck drivers, pedestrians, commuters and every other person using the roads of the country need to follow the traffic laws.

Mohammed Fahim

Moghbazar, Dhaka