A girl who came to the university just 2 months ago with thousands of dreams, is now just a memory to her family. Sounds familiar?
The recent tragic death of Afsana Karim Rachi is another addition in the tales of haunting deaths. The deaths of Mim, a student of Barishal university, Palash from Chittagong University, or Farhana, a college student from Thakurgaon just scream how unsafe our roads are!
These are just the names of some brilliant minds lost in the deadpool called “Road Accident”. Over the last five years, road accidents in Bangladesh have killed thousands of students, depriving the country of its best minds and promising futures.
Despite repeated pleas for safer roads and innumerable steps proposed by authorities, the roadways remain a death hazard, particularly for youths. The heartbreaking loss of young, talented students is not only a personal tragedy for their families, but it also represents a catastrophic squandering of the country’s potential. According to the Road Safety Foundation, 5,619 pupils died in road incidents between 2019 and June 2024. During this period, students accounted for 16.29% of all traffic fatalities (34,478).
The RSF report noted that 2,641 victims aged 5 to 17 were from schools and madrasas, accounting for 47% of the total. Meanwhile, 2,978 victims aged 18 to 25 were from colleges and universities, making up 53%.
More than just a number, this unrelenting loss of young lives is a terrible squandering of potential and aspirations. A student’s passing affects not only the individual but also the future of the nation. They are tomorrow’s leaders, educators, researchers, engineers, and doctors.
Every fatality in a traffic accident is a tale of unrealised promise. Think of the college student who is driven by the ambition to make a difference, the schoolchild who is full of life, or the university student who is dreaming of the unforeseen future after graduation. Their death in such a young age is a loss to the entire country in addition to their families.
Bangladesh loses its future leaders, innovators, and global representatives as a result of these mishaps. More than just a tragedy, a student’s death in a traffic accident is a reflection of institutional neglect and misaligned goals.
Poor road conditions, uncontrolled public transport, careless driving, and the inability to ensure safe driving are some of the main reasons behind road accidents.
The country must enforce traffic laws with zero tolerance for infractions in order to stop future loss of merit. Enhance the road system, particularly in the areas around colleges, universities, and schools. Holding careless drivers and operators accountable will help to ensure accountability in the transportation industry. Use awareness campaigns to teach pedestrians, drivers, and school children about road safety.
Bangladesh cannot afford to let avoidable traffic accidents claim the lives of its future leaders. It’s time to turn grieving into significant change and promises into action. That’s the only way we can make sure our roads don’t break any more dreams. Their deaths are a tragedy that necessitates prompt and ongoing response.