A total of 427 people were killed and 1,194 injured in 415 accidents across roads, railways, and waterways in 15 days during Eid-ul-Azha holidays, according to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity.

Samity's Secretary General Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury released the report at a press conference held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday (June 16).

He said 379 road accidents caused 390 deaths and 1,182 injuries. Meanwhile, 25 railway accidents left 25 dead and 12 injured, and 11 waterway accidents killed 12 people and left 6 missing.

Mozammel Haque said the high number of accidents could have been reduced with better transport management, calling for a minimum four-day public holiday before Eid and long-term planning for holiday travel.

He also urged the government to improve public transport, remove small vehicles from highways, ensure skilled drivers, eliminate unfit vehicles, build standard roads, and strictly enforce traffic laws.

He said that potholes caused by rain on highways contributed to some crashes, while many vehicles faced accidents due to nonstop driving during return journeys. Many incidents occurred when vehicles hit parked trucks or fell into roadside ditches.

The report also highlighted widespread passenger harassment and overcharging during Eid travel. Due to fare hikes, many poor passengers were forced to travel dangerously on bus rooftops, train tops, open trucks, and goods-laden vehicles.

MSK/SMS