At least 263 people have been killed in road accidents in Chittagong city between 2020 and 2022.
Around one-third (30%) of the deceased are motorcycle and three-wheeler drivers, according to a road safety report jointly published by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Chittagong City Corporation (CCC).
The report titled “Chattogram City Road Safety” was published on Sunday (24 September) based on the CMP records.
According to the report, the death rate in road accidents per 100,000 people in the city increased by 38% from 2.1 in 2020 to 2.9 in 2022. The lack of road infrastructure to walk safely has led to the highest number of deaths in the city, with pedestrians accounting for 56% of the total deaths.
Being a port city, a large number of heavy trucks ply the roads of Chattogram, and these vehicles are responsible for the deaths of most pedestrians and motorcycle users, the report said.
The report also mentions the city’s Bayazid Bostami police station reported the highest number of accidents, while the Bakalia police station is in second place in terms of accidents.
Most fatalities were reported during important holidays such as Eid-ul-Fitr and other religious festivals. In 2020-22, 81% of road crash deaths were men, and most were aged between 20 and 54.
On the other hand, the death rate from motorcycle accidents is higher among people aged 35-39 years.
The most dangerous road in the port city is the Bahaddarhat to Shah Amanat Bridge link road, where about five deaths have been reported per kilometre in the last three years, according to the report.
The most dangerous places in Chattogram are the Tiger Pass intersection and the Khejur Tala of the Outer Ring Road.
To strengthen road safety in the city, the report also identified ten high-risk locations and roads in the city. It suggested taking steps necessary to stop reckless driving and widening pavements. The report also said using bicycles instead of motorised vehicles should be encouraged.
Death in road accidents is not just a loss to people or families, it is a loss to society and the country, CMP Commissioner Krishnapad Roy added.
