The roads of Bangladesh are increasingly turning into stages of tragedy. Reckless speeding, dangerous overtaking, and blatant disregard for traffic rules have transformed our highways into death traps. What was once a rush to reach destinations has now become a perilous race with devastating consequences.
Every day, we witness innocent lives lost due to the irresponsible behaviour of drivers. Their obsession with speed-often driven by unrealistic trip targets, poor regulation, or simply sheer negligence-leads to fatal accidents that tear families apart. Parents lose their children, and children lose their entire families. The aftermath of a single accident can upend lives: the death of a breadwinner may halt a child's education, trigger financial collapse, and push a family into poverty.
These are not merely individual or family tragedies-they are national losses. Bangladesh loses skilled workers, students, professionals, and future contributors to its economy and society. The psychological and economic toll is immeasurable.
Despite these horrific realities, the level of enforcement remains alarmingly inadequate. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), the police, highway patrol, and other relevant agencies must urgently come together to launch a coordinated and zero-tolerance campaign against reckless driving. Special attention must be given to curbing overspeeding, dangerous overtaking and unfit vehicles. Technology like speed cameras, dash cams and GPS monitoring must be adopted widely. Equally crucial is raising awareness through public campaigns and driver education.
The culture of impunity must end. Accountability and consequences must replace indifference and negligence. Road safety is no privilege, it is a right of every citizen.
Let us act now firmly and collectively so that no more lives are lost to this needless and preventable race. We owe it to the victims, and to the future of our nation.
Progga Das
Student, Department of Economics
Eden Mohila College
proggadas2005@gmail.com