Staff Correspondent
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2026 — A staggering 219 people were killed and over 510 others injured in 409 road accidents across the capital in 2025, according to a new report by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF).
The findings, released Wednesday, highlight a deteriorating safety landscape fueled by urban transport mismanagement and reckless driving.
The data, compiled primarily from media reports, reveals that men represent the highest number of casualties, accounting for 176 deaths (80.36%). The toll also includes 25 women and 18 children.
Pedestrians and Bikers Most at Risk The report identifies pedestrians as the most vulnerable demographic, making up 47% of total fatalities. Motorcycle-related incidents followed closely, contributing to 43% of the deaths. The remaining 10% of victims were passengers or drivers of buses, rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws.
Nighttime: The Deadliest Window An analysis of accident timings shows a dangerous trend during late hours. Nearly 42% of crashes occurred at night, the highest of any time period. The RSF attributed this largely to heavy goods vehicles—such as trucks and tankers—which are permitted to enter the city after 10:00 PM and often travel at "reckless speeds" due to a lack of bypass roads.
Crash Timing Breakdown: Night: 42%
Morning: 18%
Afternoon: 13%
Dawn: 11%
Noon: 10%
Evening: 6%
Heavy Vehicles and Accident Hotspots: Heavy vehicles, including trucks, covered vans, and garbage trucks, were involved in 35% of all accidents, while buses were implicated in 25%.
The foundation also pinpointed several high-risk zones in the city. The most frequent accident "hotspots" include: Jatrabari
Demra
Mohammadpur
Kuril Bishwa Road
Airport Road
Roots of the Chaos: The RSF identified nine primary causes for the rising fatality rate, ranging from faulty vehicle mechanics and reckless driving to the hazardous mixing of slow and fast-moving vehicles on the same lanes. Experts also noted that persistent traffic congestion has fostered a culture of "intolerance and impatience" among drivers, leading to fatal errors.
The Path Forward: 14 Key Recommendations
To stem the tide of road violence, the organization proposed a 14-point plan, which includes: Phasing out all vehicles that have exceeded their economic lifespan. Implementing company-based bus operations to end the culture of "racing" between private operators. Expanding dedicated lanes for public transport and clearing footpaths of illegal encroachments.
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