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The tragic accident on the Khulna-Mongla Highway on Thursday afternoon, which claimed at least 13 lives, is yet another grim reminder of how unsafe our highways have become. Among the victims were 11 members of the same family, including a newly married couple who were returning from their wedding ceremony. What should have been the beginning of a joyful new chapter turned into unimaginable tragedy within hours. Such fatal accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh. However, the timing of the accident makes it even more unsettling, as millions of people are preparing to begin their Eid journeys.
The surge in vehicles during this period exposes deep structural weaknesses in the country's road transport system. Highways that already struggle to accommodate regular traffic suddenly face several times the normal volume. When this heavy traffic combines with reckless driving, poor enforcement of traffic laws and weak monitoring, the risk of accidents rises dramatically. Thus many crashes that claim dozens of lives are not mere accident but the consequence of systemic failures.
One of the most common causes of accidents is excessive speed. Drivers often try to reach their destination quickly in order to make additional trips to maximise their earnings. In doing so, traffic regulations are ignored and basic safety precautions are overlooked. Long driving hours also take their toll. Many drivers operate vehicles for extended periods without adequate rest, which leads to fatigue and reduced concentration.
The rapid growth of motorcycles has introduced yet another layer of risk. Motorcycles have become an affordable and convenient means of travel for many people, especially young riders. However, many take to the roads without proper training or awareness of safety rules. Riding without helmets, speeding and risky manoeuvres have significantly increased the likelihood of fatal accidents.
The consequences of these failures fall most heavily on ordinary citizens. Each accident leaves behind families struggling with loss, grief and uncertainty. When a breadwinner dies in a crash, the economic stability of an entire household can collapse overnight. Children lose parents, parents lose their children, and the emotional scars often last a lifetime.
Ironically, no matter how many lives are lost, road accidents are rarely treated as crimes that require thorough investigation and punishment of traffic rule violators. Like many other countries, Bangladesh can also minimise road accidents by implementing strict vehicle safety standards, penalising traffic rule violations and ensuring safer road conditions. For this to happen, the police must begin treating all accidents-whether fatal or not-with seriousness so that road users learn to exercise greater caution.
At the same time, the installation of clear road markings and signboards, adequate lighting and safer intersections can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The use of modern technology, including speed cameras and digital traffic monitoring systems, could further strengthen enforcement and improve road discipline.
However, lasting change will not come through regulations alone. Road safety ultimately depends on the behaviour and awareness of all road users. Drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike must recognise that safety on the road is a shared responsibility.
As millions of people prepare to travel home for Eid, ensuring safe journeys should be a national priority. The authorities, transport operators and law enforcement agencies need to work together to prevent tragedies on road. Every life lost on the road is a painful reminder of the cost of inaction. Eid is meant to be a celebration of joy, reunion and compassion. We hope that it will not become a time of mourning for any family.