Eight people were killed and 49 others injured in road accidents in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna over the past year, according to an annual report released by the Paikgachha upazila branch of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA), a road safety organisation.
The figures were presented at a press conference organised ahead of National Safe Roads Day to highlight local accident statistics and measures needed to prevent crashes.
At the event, held at the office of Sholoana Business Cooperative Society on Wednesday morning, October 21, journalist SM Alauddin Sohag, the NISCHA upazila branch’s secretary for road accident affairs, presented the annual report covering October 20, 2025, to October 20, 2026.
According to the report, a total of 63 road accidents, ranging from minor to serious, occurred in the upazila during the period. Eight people died and 49 were injured.
The report identified several causes of road accidents, including reckless driving, drivers’ lack of awareness, operating vehicles without valid driving licences, violations of traffic laws, unfit vehicles on the roads, and the unauthorised establishment of markets and shops along roadsides.
To reduce accidents, speakers stressed the need for effective enforcement of traffic laws, greater awareness among drivers, valid driving licences, proper vehicle fitness, and the removal of illegal roadside encroachments and other obstructions.
The press conference also called on relevant authorities, vehicle operators and members of the public to work together and act responsibly to improve road safety. Participants emphasised the importance of effective accident-prevention measures and public awareness campaigns.
The event was chaired by NISCHA Paikgachha President and journalist HM Shafiul Islam and moderated by its General Secretary M Ilias Hossain.
Those present included Sholoana Business Cooperative Society President GM Shukuruzzaman, Reporters’ Unity President and journalist Mizanur Rahman, NISCHA Senior Vice-President and journalist Md Abdul Aziz, Advocate Ekramul Islam, Md Huraira Badsha, Snehendu Bikash, Kazi Sohag, Jalal Uddin, Abu Hanif Milan and Faridul Islam.
Following the press conference, NISCHA leaders distributed road safety awareness leaflets among vehicle drivers in Paikgachha upazila headquarters.
