Unregulated goods-carrying trolleys are increasingly causing fatal accidents in Jhalakathi, raising serious concerns about road safety and enforcement failures.
These trolleys—often loaded with bricks, sand, and soil—move freely on district roads without registration or trained drivers. As a result, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and easy bike passengers face constant risk.
Residents that the administration and traffic authorities have failed to take effective action to control the situation.
Recent incidents highlight the danger. On April 26, a helper named Tanvir was killed when a brick-laden trolley overturned in Rajapur upazila. Two days later, on April 29, driver Zahidul Islam died in a similar accident involving a sand-loaded trolley in Kathalia.
Earlier cases show a pattern. In December last year, Lima Akhtar from Nalchiti died after a trolley struck the motorcycle she was riding with her husband. The year before, two passengers were killed in Rajapur when a speeding trolley collided head-on with a three-wheeler.
Locals say illegal trolleys operate openly due to weak monitoring. Some have also alleged corruption, claiming that enforcement officials ignore violations. However, such allegations could not be independently verified.
Traffic Police In-charge Md. Rahmat Ullah stated that these three-wheeled goods trolleys are illegal under government rules. “If we detect them on the road, we take legal action,” he said, denying claims of regular payments from operators.
Residents warn that without immediate and strict enforcement, more lives could be lost. They are calling for regular drives, stricter monitoring, and accountability to restore safety on Jhalakathi’s roads.
