9,111 Lives Lost on Roads in 2025
The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has released its annual report highlighting the horrific state of road safety in the country during the year 2025. According to the report, a total of 9,111 people were killed in 6,729 road accidents across Bangladesh last year. Additionally, 14,812 people were injured in these crashes.
The statistics were presented this morning, Sunday (4 January), at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
The report further noted that fatalities were not limited to roads alone — significant numbers were also recorded on rail and waterways. In 2025, there were 513 rail accidents resulting in 485 deaths and 145 injuries. On waterways, 158 people lost their lives due to accidents. The association believes that the massive loss of life and damage across road, rail, and waterways clearly reflects the chaotic state of the country's transport system.
During the press conference, leaders of the Passenger Welfare Association demanded reforms in the government's policy-making process for road accident control. They pointed out that in decisions related to fare setting, road safety measures, and the accident compensation fund, only transport owners and workers currently hold dominance. They stressed that, to restore discipline on the roads, representatives of the victims must be included in these processes. They also reiterated the demand for speedy compensation for road crash victims.
The leaders further stated that ensuring safe roads is now a demand of the time. They made an earnest call to all political parties to include the issue of public transport safety with utmost importance in their manifestos for the upcoming national parliament election. The organisation, which works for passenger rights, believes that without political goodwill and proper planning, it will not be possible to stop this procession of deaths on the roads.
The press conference was attended by central leaders of the Passenger Welfare Association as well as road safety experts.
