Pathetic end to a recreational trip

We express our shock and grief at the deaths and wish quick recovery of the injured in the accident.

As it is, in Bangladesh, the number of road accidents and deaths due to it, are among the highest in the world and which can be easily avoided if appropriate measures are put in place as well as the existing codes and regulations implemented strictly. There are, however, several dimensions to road accidents in Bangladesh, one of which is the hazard of getting waylaid by highway dacoits, particularly when travelling at night. Such deadly holdup is nothing new, but regrettably, nothing concrete has been done to prevent its recurrence.

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This is unfortunately a sad reflection of the state of our law and order. Whatever happened to our highway patrol? The manner and conduct of the holdup leaves us with no doubt that had there been some degree of surveillance of the highway, the perpetrators would have found it difficult to carry out an operation that involved felling of a tree and lying in wait long enough to drag in as many unsuspecting vehicles as possible.

Understandably, it is a daunting task for the police force of our size to be keeping under observation the entire length of our highways and ensuring that every stretch of them are free of bandits. We feel that it should also be the responsibility of the locals to ensure that their respective areas are safe for travel, much in the same manner that community police keep their own area safe from crimes.

We suggest that the government address the matter of highway safety in a comprehensive manner with the utmost urgency.