DHAKA: Road safety has emerged as a major concern in Bangladesh, with at least 7,963 children killed in road accidents between 2020 and September 2026. Of these, 2,513 lost their lives while travelling to or returning from school or college, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
The report draws on information published by nine national daily newspapers, 17 national and regional online news portals, electronic media outlets and the organisation’s own sources.
Motorcycle-related incidents accounted for the largest share of child fatalities, claiming 2,958 lives, or 37.14 per cent of the total. Another 2,812 children died while walking, while 2,193 were killed while travelling in other vehicles.
The findings also revealed that 962 children died while playing on roads near their homes, highlighting the dangers posed by traffic in residential areas.
Rural Roads Record Highest Number of Child Deaths
Rural roads accounted for the highest number of child fatalities, with 2,713 deaths recorded during the reporting period. Regional roads reported 2,082 deaths, followed by highways with 1,974 and urban roads with 1,194.
Among child pedestrians, 1,271 were killed by three-wheeled vehicles, including CNG-powered auto-rickshaws and locally manufactured transport vehicles. Heavy vehicles, such as buses, lorries and covered vans, claimed another 1,126 young lives. Private cars and minibuses were responsible for 317 deaths, while motorcycle-related incidents accounted for 98 fatalities among pedestrians.
Children aged between 13 and 17 formed the largest group of victims, with 3,547 deaths, representing 44.54 per cent of the total. A further 2,884 children aged between six and 12 lost their lives, while 1,532 victims were aged five or younger.
Afternoons Prove Particularly Deadly
The afternoon recorded the highest number of child fatalities, with 2,634 deaths, accounting for 33.07 per cent of the total. Morning hours saw 2,168 deaths, while 1,813 fatalities were recorded around midday.
The RSF attributed the high death toll to unsafe roads and transport systems, inadequate awareness of traffic regulations, reckless driving and insufficient medical facilities for accident victims.
Rural roads are particularly hazardous because they frequently run close to residential areas, vehicles often operate without following traffic rules, and enforcement mechanisms remain limited.
Road Safety Foundation Calls for Urgent Action
The RSF has called for the development of safer road infrastructure and greater road safety awareness among children and their families. It has also urged authorities to strengthen road safety education in homes and schools and take firm action against unskilled and underage drivers.
The organisation has further called for improved emergency treatment facilities at district hospitals to ensure that accident victims receive timely medical assistance.
In addition, the RSF has urged the government to establish a dedicated fund to cover medical expenses for accident victims and ensure the effective implementation of the Road Transport Act, 2018.
The figures underline the urgent need for stronger road safety measures in Bangladesh, particularly on rural roads and routes used by schoolchildren, where preventable accidents continue to claim young lives.
