Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) - Raising public awareness, regular driver training, and adequate infrastructure are crucial to preventing road accidents that result in significant loss of lives and property each year.

Officials and stakeholders highlighted the importance of public awareness while speaking at a post-rally discussion held to mark National Road Safety Day 2025 today. 

The event was jointly organized by the Rajshahi Circle of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the district administration at the Deputy Commissioner's conference hall.

This year's theme is "Quality helmets and safe speed reduce loss of life and property."

Rajshahi Division Commissioner Khondoker Azim Ahmed and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Commissioner Muhammad Abu Sufian addressed the discussion as chief and special guests, respectively, with Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter in the chair. 

Other speakers included RMP Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Nur Alam Siddiqui, BRTA Divisional Director Parkan Chowdhury, Assistant Director Faisal Hossain, and Inspector Abul Kalam Azad.

The speakers unanimously called for strict enforcement of traffic rules and careful driving to reduce road accidents. 

Commissioner Azim Ahmed stressed a holistic approach involving public awareness, regular driver training, and improved infrastructure. 

RMP Commissioner Abu Sufian urged implementation of local action plans, specialized training for commercial and motorcycle drivers, and community-based awareness campaigns using theatre, films, and multimedia tools.

Around 150 participants, including government officials, human rights activists, road transport workers, and representatives of transport owners' associations, attended the meeting.

Earlier, the participants held a rally from the collectorate premises, carrying banners and festoons to raise public awareness about road safety, before converging at the meeting venue after parading through city streets.