“Quality Helmets and Safe Speed Will Reduce Loss of Life and Property”
On the occasion of National Road Safety Day 2025, a human chain and rally were organized under the theme “Quality Helmets and Safe Speed will reduce loss of life and property” bySteps Towards Development on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at 10:00 am at the Mohammadpur Town Hall premises in the capital.
The program was implemented by Step’s Policy Influence Group (PIG), Dhaka District, as part of a road safety awareness campaign. Participants included PIG members, students, road safety activists, media professionals and people from various walks of life.
During the human chain, participants distributed awareness leaflets highlighting the importance of maintaining safe speed and using quality helmets. Speakers emphasized that ensuring road safety is not only the responsibility of the government; it is the duty of every citizen. If everyone comes forward together, road accidents and loss of life can be significantly reduced.
At the event, Founder of Kochi Kantha High School H. M. Lutfur Rahman said every year, numerous road accidents occur in our city, affecting ordinary pedestrians, students, working people and even children. These accidents do not only cause financial loss to families but also prematurely extinguish countless dreams and valuable human resources. If we can instill road safety knowledge and a sense of responsibility among students from an early age, they will be able to play a positive role in society as conscious citizens.
He added that using quality helmets should not be out of fear of the police, but out of responsibility toward oneself and one’s family. Speed control is not just about obeying traffic laws; it is a commitment to protecting life. Such human chains and rallies initiate positive changes in society. If educational institutions, families and communities work together, we can build a safe, accident-free Bangladesh.
Retired bank officer Md. Mahbubur Rahman expressed his opinion that in our country, road accidents have become almost daily news. When a person loses their life in an accident, it is not just one life that is lost; an entire family is shattered and their future becomes uncertain. Lack of awareness, violation of traffic laws and unnecessary competition among vehicles are the main causes of accidents. If each of us becomes conscious in our own way-such as using helmets, wearing seat belts, not talking on mobile phones while driving and following traffic rules – many accidents can be prevented.
He also added that today’s human chain and rally are not merely a formality; they symbolize a social movement. We all should actively participate in this movement and raise awareness about road safety among our families and neighbors, because safe roads mean safe lives.
Moshtari Begum; Treasurer of the Disable Welfare Society, said: Road safety is no longer just an issue for the traffic department; it is a national and humanitarian issue. Every day, women, children and senior citizens face risks on the roads. Many people in our society still believe that road safety is only the responsibility of drivers. In reality, it is everyone’s responsibility-pedestrians, passengers and drivers alike must be aware. Especially for the safety of women and children, everyone should be encouraged to use footpaths, zebra crossings and traffic signals. At the same time, emphasis must be placed on using quality helmets. Many bikers still use low-quality or old helmets, which fail to protect the head effectively. Strict monitoring and educational activities are needed in this regard. I believe that if initiatives are taken jointly at four levels-family, educational institutions, society and the state-road accidents can be reduced significantly. Today’s program is an important step toward that change – she further added.
The speakers further stated that ensuring road safety is the responsibility of all of us. By using quality helmets, adhering to prescribed speed limits and following traffic laws, accidents and fatalities can be significantly reduced. Such awareness initiatives must be continued and everyone should be involved.
After the human chain, the rally started from the Town Hall premises, marched past the Mohammadpur Bus-stand and police station and concluded at the Town hall again.
The organizers stated that Steps Towards Development will continue such activities in the future to raise awareness about road safety and to help build an accident-free Bangladesh.
