Dhaka, January 30 – Road crashes have emerged as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5-29, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). To combat this alarming trend and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries by half, experts stress the necessity of a comprehensive road safety law based on the Global Safe System Approach. This recommendation was made during a workshop aimed at enhancing youth awareness and engagement in road safety initiatives.

The workshop was held on Thursday morning at Six Seasons Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, organized by the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Participants underscored the urgent need for a dedicated road safety law to protect road users and ensure safer mobility.

Marzana Muntaha, coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Well-being, highlighted five key behavioral issues affecting road users. Additionally, Abdullah Mehedi Dipto, President of the Safe Road Movement, and Tanzeed Md. Sohorab Reza, General Secretary of the same organization, addressed the vital role of youth in promoting road safety. Representatives from various youth forums also contributed their insights on the matter.

The workshop was presided over by Iqbal Masud, Director of Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s Health and WASH Sector, and moderated by Sharmini Rahman, Road Safety Project Coordinator. Taifur Rahman, Grants Manager at Global Road Safety Partnership IFRC, elaborated on the weaknesses in the current road safety framework and the necessity for legislative improvements. Marvin Christian, Director of Global Health Advocacy Incubator, provided an overview of how young individuals can actively contribute to ensuring road safety, while Dr. Shariful Alam, Country Coordinator of the same organization, discussed the effectiveness of the Safe System Approach in reducing road crashes.

The speakers emphasized that the existing laws are primarily transport-centric, lacking dedicated provisions for road safety. To address this gap, they called for a structured and enforceable road safety law. Discussions revolved around five key pillars essential for an effective road safety framework: integrated vehicle and land-use planning, safe vehicles, safe road infrastructure, responsible road usage, and post-crash response management.

Representatives from Safe Road Movement, Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Well-being, Youth Policy Forum, Bangladesh Medical Student Society, Mission Green Bangladesh, Bangladesh Debate Federation, and We Can Cox’s Bazar attended the event alongside students from various educational institutions.