Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 27th January 2026, 7:02 AM
Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Road Safety Foundation has presented a comprehensive 13-point demand to political parties, urging the establishment of a safe, accessible, and citizen-friendly public transport system. On Tuesday, 27 January, the organisation issued a statement outlining these demands and called for a firm commitment from parties to implement them as part of their electoral pledges.
According to the Foundation’s report, Bangladesh still lacks a fully safe and user-oriented road, rail, and waterway transport network. Endemic corruption and politically backed extortion have hindered the implementation of sustainable transport policies. The resulting traffic congestion and road accidents have escalated, causing numerous fatalities and leaving many permanently disabled. Low- and middle-income families bear the brunt of these failures, while prolonged congestion undermines national economic productivity and discourages investment.
The Foundation emphasises that, with sufficient political will, the following measures are achievable:
| No. | Demand | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reorganise National Road Safety Council | Oversight of BRTA, BRTC, DTC; authority to formulate laws and regulations |
| 2 | Administrative Reform | Appoint sectoral experts in senior positions; ensure transparency and accountability |
| 3 | Modern Bus Services | Implement company-based operations with rationalised routes in Dhaka |
| 4 | Mandatory School and College Buses | Reduce congestion; provide tax incentives and low-interest loans |
| 5 | Modern Safety Technology | Mandatory use of ITS, GPS, and RTSMS systems |
| 6 | Withdrawal of Expired Vehicles | Enhance road safety by removing old, unsafe vehicles |
| 7 | Skilled Driver Development | Institutional training and professional opportunities for drivers |
| 8 | Trauma Care in Accident-Prone Areas | Emergency medical centres alongside major highways |
| 9 | Safety for Three-Wheelers and Small Vehicles | Improved road design and regular safety audits |
| 10 | Unified Transport Ministry | Coordination across road, rail, and water transport sectors |
| 11 | Training for Administrative Cadres | Increase efficiency and expertise in road safety management |
| 12 | Budget Allocation for Awareness Campaigns | Support public education and safety awareness programmes |
| 13 | Financial Support for Accident Victims | Allocate BDT 7 billion annually through a dedicated trust fund |
The Road Safety Foundation stresses that the effective management of safe roads requires timely policy reforms, technological upgrades, infrastructure development, and public awareness. However, the decisive factor in achieving this goal is strong political commitment.
Implementing these 13 measures is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for Bangladeshis, reduce fatalities, and mitigate the economic losses caused by traffic congestion and road accidents. The Foundation urges all political parties to adopt these recommendations as part of their national transport agenda.
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