Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 22, 2025 (BSS) - A holistic approach involving public awareness, regular driver training, and improved infrastructure is essential to prevent road traffic accidents, experts said at a workshop here today.

They observed that there is no alternative to raising awareness among the general public to curb road accidents, which continue to cause significant loss of lives and property each year.

The views were expressed at a workshop titled "Formulation of Working Plan of District Road Safety Committee", jointly organized by the district administration and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), with support from the BRAC Road Safety Programme. The event was held at the conference hall of Zila Parishad.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Zobayer Hossain presided over the workshop, which was addressed by Additional District Magistrate Umme Kulsum Shampa, Rajshahi University Professor Tariqul Islam, BRTA Assistant Director Faisal Hassan, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Mahbuba Khanom, and Deputy Director of the Department of Information Nafeyala Nasrin.

Professor Tariqul Islam emphasized the need for implementing local action plans, specialized training for commercial and motorcycle drivers, and community-based awareness campaigns, including road safety theatre, films, and multimedia tools.

Mainul Hossain, Manager of BRAC Driving School, moderated the discussion, while Project Lead Nazmul Haque delivered the keynote presentation.

Haque said the BRAC Road Safety Programme aims to reduce road crash fatalities and injuries, especially among vulnerable communities. Its activities include driver and community training, formation of Community Road Safety Groups (CRSGs), implementation of local safety plans, and policy advocacy.

He also stressed the importance of enhanced coordination and capacity building among relevant agencies.

Among others, Editor of Daily Sonar Desh Akbraul Hassan Millat, Rajshahi City Corporation Assistant Engineer Shahriar Sultan, Traffic Police Inspector Mijanur Rahman Mondal, Rajshahi Press Club President Saidur Rahman, and BRAC Assistant Coordinator Farzana Parveen also spoke.