Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that most road accidents in Bangladesh occur due to unfit vehicles, unskilled and negligent drivers, and public unawareness. He made the remarks on Sunday at a program in Rajbari organized by the BRTA Trustee Board to distribute checks among victims of road accidents and raise public awareness about road safety.

The minister said the event was meant to express solidarity with families of those killed or injured in accidents, calling such incidents a collective national failure. Referring to the March 25 Daulatdia ferry terminal accident, he said the investigation report identified driver error and vehicle defects as the main causes. He also announced a Tk 2,800 crore World Bank–assisted project to train drivers, conduct health and drug tests, and improve safety measures.

State Minister for Roads and Railways Habibur Rashid and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam emphasized collective responsibility and modernization of ferry management. A victims’ representative thanked the government for prompt assistance and urged proper action to prevent future accidents.