According to the Bangladesh Passengers’ Welfare Association, more than 8,500 people died in road crashes in 2024 – an 8.11 percent increase from the previous year. Among the victims were 1,879 pedestrians, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure that makes walking and cycling safe.

“Streets for Life”: This Year’s Core Appeal

The 8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025 (12–18 May) adopted the theme “Streets for Life—Make Walking Safe and Cycling Safe.” In line with this message, the BRAC Road Safety Programme carried out a series of awareness‑building events at Dhaka’s Hatirjheel.

Hatirjheel Rally: Steps of Solidarity

• Date & Venue: 16 May, from the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre to Zhilpar Park
• Organisers: BRAC and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA)
• Participants: Citizens, policymakers, and development partners

• Led by:
  • Mohammad Yasin, Chairman, BRTA
  • Md Sarwar, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic), DMP
  • Ahmed Nazmul Husein, Director, BRAC Road Safety Programme

Key Messages

• Mohammad Yasin reminded the audience that walking short distances was once routine; motor vehicles have displaced that habit. He urged everyone to walk at least 30 minutes daily, which would also help ease traffic congestion.
• Md Sarwar underlined the importance of following traffic rules for pedestrian safety and called on all to use footpaths and footbridges. He noted that police efforts are ongoing to keep pedestrian lanes free of hawkers.
• Ahmed Nazmul Husein pointed out that walking and cycling reduce heart disease, obesity, and stress, while also cutting pollution and congestion.

Human Chain and Other Activities

On 15 May, staff members formed a human chain in front of BRAC Building 66 in Mohakhali, holding placards to demand pedestrian‑ and cyclist‑friendly urban transport.

Scope of the BRAC Road Safety Programme

Launched in 2001, the programme:

• Conducts community‑based awareness training and campaigns
• Builds the capacity of drivers, helpers, transport leaders, and related institutions to prevent gender‑based violence and sexual harassment on public transport
• Advocates for legal reforms on road safety

In the face of rapidly rising road‑crash numbers, city planning that welcomes walkers and cyclists will protect public health and create sustainable transport systems. The joint BRAC‑BRTA initiative during this Road Safety Week amplified a clear message: “Safe roads for all, healthy cities, healthy lives.”