16 November 2025
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) today observed the ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’ to commemorate those killed and injured on the roads, with the participation of relevant government and non-government organizations. Marking the occasion, a roundtable discussion was held this afternoon at the conference room of the Nagar Bhaban, with technical support from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) and Vital Strategies. The event was moderated by BIGRS Initiative Coordinator and former Additional Secretary, Md. Abdul Wadud. DNCC’s Chief Engineer Brig. Gen. Md. Moin Uddin, SUP, SPP, NDC, PSC attended as guest of honor, while Aminul Islam Sujon, Technical Adviser of Vital Strategies, delivered the keynote presentation.
In his speech, Chief Engineer Brig. Gen. Md. Moin Uddin said that the biggest challenge is the effective implementation of existing laws and regulations related to road safety. Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential for effective implementation. Transport owners and drivers, law enforcement agencies, BRTA, agencies responsible for road management, and above all, every road user must obey the rules on the road. He added that DNCC is working to construct footpaths, zebra crossings, road markings, foot-overbridges, and other necessary infrastructure from its end.
BIGRS Initiative Coordinator, Md. Abdul Wadud highlighted the significance and theme of the day. He said the day is observed worldwide to stand by those affected by road crashes and to reaffirm the commitment to preventing such crashes in the future. Road crashes are the leading cause of death among people aged 5 to 29 globally. Hence, this year’s theme has been set as: “More than 1.1 million talents are lost on the roads every year.”
Presenting the keynote, Vital Strategies Technical Adviser Aminul Islam Sujon said this year’s theme, “Lost Talents,” emphasizes that road crashes do not merely claim lives—they extinguish knowledge, ideas, and the potential societal contributions of the victims. Statistics show that most victims are young, energetic, and in the productive age group—individuals who could have continued contributing to family and society for many years. But their premature deaths deprive not only their families but also society and the state of their potential creativity and productivity.
In his welcome remarks, DNCC Superintendent Engineer Khandaker Mahbub Alam said that, along with remembering the victims of road crashes, DNCC is committed to ensuring that such tragedies do not recur in the future. He expressed sympathy to all families who have lost loved ones on the roads and sought everyone’s cooperation in making Dhaka’s streets safer in the coming days.
DTCA Senior Road Safety Specialist, Md. Mamunur Rahman said that many stakeholders share responsibilities in ensuring road safety. Importing or manufacturing quality vehicles, building standard roads, enforcing traffic laws, and having trained drivers are all essential. At the same time, awareness among road users is critically important. He noted that DTCA is working to reduce public suffering by improving urban mobility through coordination among relevant agencies. Better transport management will help ensure safer pedestrian crossings and vehicle movement.
Road crash victim’s father S. M. Saiful Islam said, “On 9 October last year, my daughter was killed in Dhaka’s Badda area when a speeding bus hit her while overtaking another bus. I do not want any mother to lose her child the way I did.” He urged strict enforcement of laws on the roads.
WHO Clinical Psychologist Proscovia Okuo Layet said that timely medical care after a crash can significantly reduce deaths and long-term disabilities. Public awareness of post-crash response is also crucial, she added.
BRTA Deputy Director Subir Kumar Saha said BRTA has undertaken various initiatives to enhance road safety. Recently, BRTA made 60 hours of training mandatory for new driving license applicants. Efforts are also underway to simplify financial support for road crash victims. Other speakers included Al-Amin Md. Nurul Islam, Deputy Secretary, Road Transport and Highways Division; Khalid Mahmud, Head of Road Safety Project at BRAC and former Additional Secretary; M. Hafizur Rahman Moyna, Vice President of the Poribesh Bachao Andolon—POBA; SM Azad Hossain, Secretary General of Nirapad Sarak Chai—NISCHA; Gaus Piary, Director of the Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust; Badruddin Saifi from ARK Foundation; and Wali Noman from the National Heart Foundation.