The Passenger Rights Conservation Council (Jatri Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad) has called upon the government to prevent fare gouging, ensure public transport discipline, and enforce stringent road safety measures ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja holiday travel rush (October 20–24, 2026).
Unveiling their September 2026 casualty report at a press conference on Saturday (October 17, 2026) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Organizational Secretary Zubayer Sikder disclosed that 423 people were killed and 674 injured in 442 road accidents across the country last month—averaging nearly 14 fatalities per day. The deceased included 73 women and 61 children. Motorcycles were involved in 156 accidents resulting in 139 deaths, while Dhaka Division recorded the highest regional casualty toll with 134 deaths across 132 accidents (Gazipur district leading individually with 38 fatalities). Additionally, 16 deaths occurred in 11 waterway accidents, while 23 railway incidents claimed 19 lives.
Anticipating a massive surge in holiday travel from Dhaka to rural home districts and tourist spots between October 20 and 24, the council warned against severe transport shortages, illegal fare hikes, and heightened accident risks. To mitigate these hazards, the organization submitted a comprehensive reform charter advocating e-prosecution via speed guns and CCTV monitoring, mandatory dope testing and 8-hour shift limits for long-distance drivers, dedicated service lanes for slow vehicles, highway trauma centers, and strict bans on roof travel and illegal hydraulic horns.
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Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
