A series of devastating road accidents in Dhaka on Friday night claimed the lives of four people, casting a pall over the city just days before the festival. Among the victims were a father and his only daughter, who had ventured out for a joyous shopping trip.
Saju Ahmed Sujon, 47, a government employee, had planned a special outing with his daughter, Sumaiya Ahmed Trisha, a student at East West University. Choosing his weekly Friday holiday, the pair left their Motijheel AGB Colony residence to buy new clothes for the festival. Riding a motorcycle towards New Market, Trisha sat behind her father, excited to select her attire.
Their outing ended in tragedy near the Science Laboratory junction around 10:30 pm. While Saju and Trisha were preparing to turn towards Elephant Road for shoes, a truck struck their motorcycle from behind. Both father and daughter were thrown to the ground, with the truck running over them. Saju died instantly at the scene, and Trisha succumbed to her injuries shortly after being admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
On the same night, a separate accident occurred in the Tejgaon Industrial Area. A CNG auto-rickshaw carrying three passengers collided with a truck making a U-turn near BG Press. The rickshaw overturned, killing passenger Harunur Rahman Sani, 32, and driver Alim, 50. Sani’s wife, Brishti Akter, and sister, Happy Akter, were injured but survived after receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The group had been returning from Bailey Road after buying festival items.
Police have seized both trucks and detained the drivers. Accidental death cases have been filed in connection with the incidents. Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the busy festive season.
Summary of Victims
| Victim | Age | Relation / Role | Incident Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saju Ahmed Sujon | 47 | Father | Science Laboratory junction | Deceased on scene |
| Sumaiya Ahmed Trisha | 21 | Daughter | Science Laboratory junction | Pronounced dead at hospital |
| Harunur Rahman Sani | 32 | Passenger | Tejgaon Industrial Area | Deceased at hospital |
| Alim | 50 | CNG driver | Tejgaon Industrial Area | Deceased at hospital |
Family members gathered at South Shahjahanpur to pay tribute to Saju and Trisha before their burial in the family cemetery. Neighbours and relatives mourned deeply, especially Sultana Begum, the mother, left heartbroken after losing both her husband and only daughter.
The incidents highlight ongoing concerns over road safety in Dhaka, particularly during the festive season, when streets are crowded and traffic is heavy.