Times24.net : Dhaka, Sunday, 18 May 2025: According to the World Health Organization, over 50% of annual road crash fatalities involve pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. In Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, traffic overcrowding remains a severe problem, resulting in the daily loss of significant working hours. Walking and cycling can be effective solutions to this issue. To facilitate this, there is a need for pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly safe road infrastructure, along with the formulation and implementation of a Road Safety Act.
On Sunday (18 May) at 11:00 AM, Sharmeen Rahman, Road Safety Project Coordinator of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, stated this during her keynote speech at the inaugural session of the Youth Campaign held at the auditorium of the Mission’s head office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The event was organized to celebrate the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week. The United Nations observes Road Safety Week every two years with the aim of ensuring road safety worldwide and reducing unexpected deaths on the roads. This year’s theme is: Streets for Life: Making Walking and Cycling Safe.
The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Neelima Akhter, as the Chief Guest. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of promoting walking and cycling habits among everyone. She stated, Walking and cycling not only benefit our health but also contribute to a healthier environment. Additionally, they help reduce medical expenses and road crashes. To achieve this, all government and non-government sectors, along with the youth, must work together in a coordinated manner.
In his presidential speech at the event, Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, stated, the government’s strategic plans must include the creation of a walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.
The event was also attended by several distinguished guests, including Professor Md. Iqbal Hossain Razu, Vice President of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association and Senior Vice President of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association; Aminul Islam Sujon, Technical Advisor of Vital Strategies Bangladesh; and Abu Rushd Md. Ruhul Amin, Senior News Editor at Bangla vision. In addition, Abdullah Mehedi Dipto, President of Road Safety Movement, and Iftekhar Ahmed Sakib, President of the Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society, delivered speeches as a youth guest speakers. The welcome remarks were delivered by Marjana Muntaha, Coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing.
At the end of the event, the participating youth members handed over a memorandum to the Chief Guest, demanding the formulation of a Road Safety Act.
