A husband and wife were killed after being run over by a bus while crossing the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Kashiani, Gopalganj, on Monday.
The accident occurred at around noon near the Majhigati bus stand in Kashiani upazila. The deceased were identified as Solaiman Molla, 70, and his wife Shahida Begum, 60, from Deola village in Alfadanga upazila of Faridpur.
Kashiani police station officer-in-charge Md Mahfuzur Rahman and a sergeant of Bhanga Highway Police confirmed the incident.
According to police, the couple had travelled from Dhaka by bus and got off at the Majhigati bus stand. After leaving the vehicle, they attempted to cross the busy highway to reach the opposite side. At that point, another bus struck them and continued on its way.
The impact left both victims critically injured, and they died at the scene. Police later went to the area and took the necessary steps following the accident.
The incident highlights the risks faced by passengers who have to cross major highways after getting off buses at roadside stops. Bus stands located along busy highways often leave passengers exposed to fast-moving traffic, particularly when there is no immediate opportunity to cross safely.
The Dhaka-Khulna highway is an important road link connecting several districts in the south-western region with Dhaka. A steady flow of buses and other vehicles uses the route, making pedestrian movement across the carriageway potentially hazardous.
Police said the bodies would be handed over to the families after the completion of the required legal procedures. Details of the bus involved in the collision and whether it had been identified were not immediately available.
The deaths of the elderly couple have left their family and relatives mourning. The accident has also renewed concerns over the safety of passengers and pedestrians at highway bus stops, where people frequently have to cross busy roads immediately after getting off public transport.
Authorities routinely advise pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing highways, while drivers are expected to remain alert around bus stops and areas where passengers are likely to cross the road. The latest incident once again underlines the potentially fatal consequences of a moment’s lapse on a busy highway.
