Bangladesh's Road Crisis: 66 Die Daily, 1% of GDP Lost
Bangladesh's roads are in crisis. Despite a marginal decrease in injury deaths over the past decade, road crashes have surged by over 3% in the country. The nation loses a staggering 66 lives daily on its roads, with the actual death toll four times higher than official reports.
The root of the problem lies in the alarming state of Bangladesh's public transport fleet. Many vehicles operate without valid fitness certificates and are mechanically unsound. This, coupled with a shortage of skilled and licensed drivers, leads to a chaotic situation on the roads. Drivers often lack formal training and basic knowledge of traffic laws, compounding the issue.
The government's record in implementing road traffic safety measures is weak. Traffic laws exist largely on paper, with enforcement being sporadic, selective, and riddled with corruption. Speed, greed, and impunity are common factors in road crashes, making the roads lawless. Authorities responsible for road safety have not been explicitly mentioned, but their inactivity is evident.
The consequences are devastating. Around 24,233 people die on Bangladesh's roads each year, with over 30 lakh suffering non-fatal injuries, and nearly 38,000 being permanently disabled. The economic cost is staggering, with the country losing several billion dollars annually, equivalent to more than 1% of the national GDP. Urgent action is needed to address this crisis, including improving vehicle maintenance, enhancing driver training, and strengthening law enforcement.
