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Young people in Bangladesh have called for a comprehensive road safety law, stressing the need to reduce road crash risks through speed control, safer vehicles, quality helmets, seat belts and effective post-crash emergency services.
The demand was made at a discussion titled “Youth Call for a Comprehensive Road Safety Law” organised in Dhaka on Tuesday by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing.
The event was held at the meeting room of the Health and Nutrition Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Shyamoli, where participants discussed safer vehicles, speed management, quality helmets and emergency services following road crashes.
A separate session on “Why Road Safety Law is Needed and the Role of Youth” highlighted the importance of involving young people in road safety initiatives.
Speakers said young people, particularly motorcycle users, face significant risks on the roads. Excessive speed, improper helmet use and risky overtaking are among the factors contributing to crashes involving young riders.
According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young adults aged 5–29 years. WHO also identifies unsafe speed management, unsafe road infrastructure and the rapid growth of motorcycle use among the key factors contributing to fatal crashes and serious injuries.
The speakers said road safety should be addressed through an integrated approach covering vehicles, road-user behaviour, speed management and post-crash care.
They stressed that legislation alone would not be enough and that effective implementation of road safety laws must also be ensured.
They also called for greater awareness among road users and said the views and initiatives of young people should be incorporated into efforts to make roads safer.
The discussion was moderated by Marzana Muntaha, coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing. Sharmin Rahman, project coordinator of the Road Safety Project of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, delivered the welcome address.
Mehedi Dipto, president of the Nirapad Sarak Andolon; Md Ishtiaq Emon of Bangladesh Debate Federation; Md Ifrat Hossain of Mission Green Bangladesh; volunteer coordinator Md Arman Hossain Rayed; and Naushin Nawar Achol of Bangladesh Medical Students Society also spoke at the event.