In a tragic accident in Chokoria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, a young auto-rickshaw (locally known as “E-rickshaw” or “easybike”) driver lost his life after being hit by a bus. The incident occurred today, Wednesday, at approximately 1:00 PM, on the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar Highway, near the Grameen Bank Roadhead area in Khutakhali.
The deceased has been identified as Md. Tarek, aged 21, the son of Abul Kalam from Auliabad village in Islamabad Union, Eidgaon Upazila. Tarek had been working as a local auto-rickshaw driver, providing transport services to residents and visitors in the area.
Eyewitnesses and officials from the Highway Police reported that Tarek was attempting to cross from a rural road onto the main highway at the time of the collision. A rapidly moving bus operated by Purabi Paribahan, heading from Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar, struck the vehicle. The force of the impact caused Tarek to die instantly at the scene, while the auto-rickshaw was completely mangled.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Malumat Highway Police Station, Mehdi Hasan, told the press, “The driver of the auto-rickshaw, Md. Tarek, was fatally struck by a bus. Both the bus and the auto-rickshaw have been seized and are currently in police custody. However, the bus driver and his assistant fled the scene immediately following the collision.”
Local residents expressed deep concern over the safety of the highway, citing the frequent presence of high-speed buses and the lack of adequate pedestrian crossings or traffic control measures. “This stretch of the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar Highway is extremely busy. Small vehicles and pedestrians are at constant risk due to reckless driving and insufficient road infrastructure,” said one resident.
The community has called on authorities to enhance traffic safety measures, including the installation of speed breakers, warning signs, and pedestrian crossings to prevent similar accidents in the future. Meanwhile, Tarek’s family and neighbours are in mourning, highlighting the urgent need for stronger enforcement of traffic regulations.
Summary of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim Name | Md. Tarek |
| Age | 21 |
| Village | Auliabad, Islamabad Union, Eidgaon Upazila |
| Father’s Name | Abul Kalam |
| Location of Accident | Grameen Bank Roadhead, Khutakhali, Chokoria |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, 1:00 PM |
| Vehicles Involved | Auto-rickshaw (E-rickshaw), Purabi Paribahan bus |
| Current Status | Both vehicles in police custody; bus driver and assistant absconded |
Highway police officials have assured that a full investigation is underway and that measures will be taken to ensure that reckless driving is curtailed along this busy route. Local residents continue to urge authorities to improve road safety, warning that without urgent action, such tragedies may recur.