Tragic end to a promising life

We notice with great deal of dismay and consternation the ever-increasing frequency of such mishaps that could have been avoided with a bit more sensibility.

Such mishaps raise some serious questions about road rights and traffic management that all concerned, particularly the keepers of public safety, must address.

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The issue of reckless driving tops the list of causes of such vehicular accidents. It does not need an expert to suggest that a reckless driver, who seemed to be in a hurry to meet deadline, killed Happy. The place of occurrence is a complicated traffic intersection, which is configured in such a way that does not lend itself to speedy driving; because of the layout of the roads the traffic is automatically slow. Only a mad and heedless person can cause an accident like this. To add to this is the fact that most of the drivers are untrained who procure their driving licence through dubious means. It is also a fact that an overwhelming number of vehicles that ply the roads of Dhaka would hardly pass a genuine fitness test. And, whereas, in any other country pedestrians have always priority and right of way, not so in Bangladesh, where crossing roads involves great personal risk

The inflexible deadline fixed by the bus operators, meeting which becomes more compelling for the driver than concern for the safety of other vehicles or the pedestrians or his passengers, is a causative factor. He has to meet the deadline or risk being penalised.

Enough is enough. The authorities must act promptly to prevent recurrence of such accidents. Drivers must be tested properly before given licence, and vehicles must undergo rigorous inspection before they are issued with road permits.

We also strongly suggest that the authorities put the stretch of road between Nilkhet and TSC and between Doel crossing and Shahbag off limits to heavy vehicles at all times. Road dividers and speed breakers must also be put up on roads that are frequented by students and other pedestrians.