Md. Khairuzzaman Sajib, Special Correspondent, Dhaka

“Safe Roads, a Prosperous Country—Bangladesh First”

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Dhaka Metro-2 Circle has organised a road safety awareness meeting at Shaheed Zia Girls’ School and College as part of its month-long programme ahead of National Safe Roads Day 2026, which will be observed on October 22.

The programme was arranged in accordance with directives from the BRTA headquarters, aiming to raise awareness among students about road safety, encourage compliance with traffic laws and help them become responsible citizens committed to preventing road accidents.

Among those who spoke at the event and provided road safety guidelines were Executive Magistrate Runa Akter of the Dhaka District Administration; Ainol Huda, Deputy Director of BRTA Dhaka Metro-2 Circle; Jahangir Alam, Assistant Director of the circle; Motor Vehicle Inspector Mohammad Rana; Traffic Inspector Monir Ahmad; and Mohammad Makfi, a representative of the National Safe Roads Movement. The institution’s headteacher, governing body chairman and teachers also attended.

The speakers stressed the importance of obeying traffic laws, personal awareness, responsible behaviour and collective efforts to ensure safer roads.

Students received practical guidance on crossing roads safely, using footpaths and zebra crossings properly, following traffic signals and road signs, and understanding their responsibilities as public transport passengers. The discussion also covered the duties of drivers and pedestrians, road design and management, enforcement of traffic laws, and the role of mutual respect and awareness in reducing accidents.

The speakers emphasised that road safety is not solely a matter of infrastructure or law enforcement. Rather, it reflects the collective responsibility, awareness and humane conduct of every road user. They noted that today’s aware students will become tomorrow’s responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

A road safety quiz competition was held at the end of the programme. Educational materials were distributed among the winners, while students received road safety leaflets, prospectuses and awareness materials featuring traffic signs. Snacks were also served to the participants.

Approximately 200 students took part in the programme, with their enthusiastic participation contributing to the event.

The speakers expressed hope that improving students’ knowledge, awareness and sense of responsibility would help bring positive changes in accident prevention. They said coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, the administration, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders would be essential to establishing safer roads and creating an environment where road accidents are minimised.

The programme concluded with a call to obey traffic laws, value both one’s own life and the lives of others, and fulfil individual responsibilities towards road safety.

“Let safe roads be everyone’s commitment, and an accident-free Bangladesh our shared goal.”