Rajshahi: A holistic approach involving public awareness, regular driver training, and improved infrastructure is essential to prevent road traffic accidents, experts said at a workshop here today. They emphasized that raising awareness among the general public is vital to curbing road accidents, which continue to cause significant loss of lives and property each year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the views were expressed at a workshop titled “Formulation of Working Plan of District Road Safety Committee”, jointly organized by the district administration and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), with support from the BRAC Road Safety Programme. The event took place at the conference hall of Zila Parishad.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Zobayer Hossain presided over the workshop, which featured speeches from Additional District Magistrate Umme Kulsum Shampa, Rajshahi University Professor Tariqul Islam, BRTA Assistant Director Faisal Hassan, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahbuba Khanom, and Deputy Director of the Department of Information Nafeyala Nasrin.
Professor Tariqul Islam underscored the necessity of implementing local action plans, specialized training for commercial and motorcycle drivers, and community-based awareness campaigns, incorporating road safety theatre, films, and multimedia tools.
Mainul Hossain, Manager of BRAC Driving School, moderated the discussion, while Project Lead Nazmul Haque delivered the keynote presentation. Haque highlighted that the BRAC Road Safety Programme aims to reduce road crash fatalities and injuries, particularly among vulnerable communities. The programme’s activities include driver and community training, formation of Community Road Safety Groups (CRSGs), implementation of local safety plans, and policy advocacy.
He also stressed the importance of enhanced coordination and capacity building among relevant agencies. Among the speakers were Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbraul Hassan Millat, Rajshahi City Corporation Assistant Engineer Shahriar Sultan, Traffic Police Inspector Mijanur Rahman Mondal, Rajshahi Press Club President Saidur Rahman, and BRAC Assistant Coordinator Farzana Parveen.