Press Release: Dhaka, 29 September 2026: Young people are significantly affected by road crashes in Bangladesh. Various studies and road crash statistics show that the involvement and casualty rate of young people in motorcycle crashes are particularly concerning. As a large number of young people use motorcycles, they face greater risks on the roads due to speeding, improper helmet use, risky overtaking, and other unsafe behaviors. Therefore, greater attention must be given to the safety of young people by strengthening road safety measures, including speed management, safer vehicles, quality helmets, seat belt use, and timely post-crash emergency services.
The demand was raised at a discussion meeting titled “Youth Call for a Comprehensive Road Safety Law.” The meeting was held on Tuesday (29 September) at 10:00 am at the meeting room of the Health & Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Shyamoli, Dhaka.
The meeting featured panel discussions on safer vehicles, speed management, standard helmets, and post-crash emergency services. In addition, a session titled “Why a Road Safety Law Is Needed and the Role of Youth” highlighted the importance of young people’s participation in promoting road safety.
The meeting was moderated by Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission YOUTH Forum for Health and Wellbeing. Sharmeen Rahman, Project Coordinator of the Road Safety Project at Dhaka Ahsania Mission, delivered the welcome remarks.
The speakers included Md. Estiak Emon, member of the Bangladesh Debate Federation; Md. Ifrat Hossain, member of Mission Green Bangladesh; Md. Arman Hossain Raied, Volunteer Coordinator of Mission Green Bangladesh; and Noshin Nawar Achal, member of the Bangladesh Medical Student Society; Mehedi Dipto, President of Nirapad Sarak Andolon ( Road Safety Movement).
The speakers said that the vulnerability of young people to road crashes is a matter of concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road crashes are the leading cause of death among people aged 5–29 worldwide. Speeding, reluctance to use safety equipment, and delays in receiving medical treatment and emergency services after a road crash can increase the severity of its consequences. Therefore, road safety requires an integrated approach that considers vehicles, speed management, road user behaviour, and post-crash services.
They further said that, alongside enacting the law, its proper implementation must also be ensured. In addition to raising awareness about road safety, efforts to ensure safer roads should be strengthened by engaging young people’s views and initiatives.