Frequent road accidents in Dhaka-Barishal Highway

Staff Reporter, Dhaka, April 25, 2026 : The Dhaka-Barishal Highway, a vital artery connecting the capital to the southern districts, has increasingly turned into a "death trap" due to a surge in frequent road accidents. In recent months, the frequency of fatal collisions and mishaps on this route has reached an alarming level, claiming dozens of lives and leaving hundreds maimed.

Reports from local police stations and hospital sources indicate that the Bhanga-Barishal section of the highway is particularly prone to accidents. The primary causes cited by experts and eyewitnesses include reckless driving, overtaking on narrow stretches, and the presence of slow-moving three-wheelers alongside high-speed long-haul buses.

"The road geometry at several points is faulty, with sharp bends that lack proper signage," says a regular commuter. "When you combine that with drivers who ignore speed limits to make extra trips, disaster is inevitable."

Furthermore, the lack of a divider on most parts of the highway leads to frequent head-on collisions, especially at night when visibility is low. Despite several initiatives by the Highway Police to enforce traffic laws, the number of casualties continues to rise.

Transport experts suggest that widening the highway, installing permanent dividers, and strictly enforcing fitness certificates for vehicles are immediate steps required to curb this crisis. Until then, the Dhaka-Barishal Highway remains a journey of uncertainty for thousands of passengers every day.

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