
According to SDG targets 3.6 and 11.2, the rate of deaths and injuries from road crushes must be reduced by half. To achieve this, an integrated Road Safety Act is necessary. Speakers expressed this opinion at a discussion titled “The Role of Media in Strengthening Road Safety” organized by the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission on Sunday (February 2) at 8:00 PM in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
The speakers emphasized that, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Global Plan, Bangladesh must significantly reduce preventable road crashes, fatalities, and injuries. This requires a strong policy and legal framework. Although the Road Transport Act 2018 and Road Transport Regulations 2022 are currently in force, there has been little improvement in road safety management.
The event was presided over by Mr. Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, and moderated by Mr. Shubhro Dev, Senior Reporter of Daily Manab Zamin. Distinguished guests included Mr. Taifur Rahman, Manager of the Global Road Safety Advocacy and Grants Program, Dr. Shariful Alam, Country Coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Mr. Abu Rushd Ruhul Amin, Senior News Editor of Bangla vision, and Ms. Shahnaz Sharmin, Special Correspondent of Ekattor TV.
At the event, Taifur Rahman, Manager of the Global Road Safety Advocacy and Grants Program, discussed the Safe System Approach and the weaknesses of the Road Safety Act. He emphasized the need for a road safety law aligned with the Safe System approach, as there is currently no dedicated legislation on road safety in the country. Such a law would ensure safe road infrastructure, secure vehicles, and the protection of road users.
Drawing the government’s attention to the need for enacting and properly implementing a road safety law, Dr. Shariful Alam, Country Coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stated that safe roads are a fundamental right for all. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure this right. He further emphasized that to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from road crashes and to enhance road safety, the Bangladesh government must implement the United Nations’ global plan and formulate a “Road Safety Law” based on the UN-recommended Safe System Approach.