A tragic road accident occurred on Tuesday evening (17 March) at approximately 9:30 pm on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Malihata, Brahmanbaria, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old CNG auto-rickshaw driver, Ashiq. The victim, a resident of Malihata Westpara village in Budhal Union, was the son of Ira Mia.
According to local sources, Ashiq was transporting passengers to Ashuganj when a covered van travelling in the opposite direction collided with his vehicle. The impact was so severe that Ashiq died instantly at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic aftermath, as local residents, enraged by the incident, set the van on fire. Law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene, extinguished the fire, and seized the vehicle for further investigation.
The Officer-in-Charge of Khatihata Highway Police Station, Jahangir Alam, confirmed that the body of the deceased was recovered, and after the initial inquest, it was sent to Brahmanbaria General Hospital morgue for autopsy. He added that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for the accident.
For clarity, the key details of the accident are summarised below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 17 March, 9:30 pm |
| Location | Malihata, Budhal Union, Brahmanbaria |
| Deceased | Ashiq, 55 years old |
| Vehicle Involved | CNG auto-rickshaw and covered van |
| Auto-Rickshaw Destination | Ashuganj |
| Police Action | Fire extinguished, van seized, body recovered and sent for autopsy |
| Legal Action | Pending against responsible parties |
The accident has sparked considerable concern among the local population regarding road safety. Residents highlighted that reckless driving, lack of vehicle maintenance, and poor enforcement of traffic regulations frequently contribute to such fatal incidents. Many community members expressed the urgent need for stricter traffic monitoring and adherence to safety standards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of small vehicle operators on major highways and the necessity for proactive road safety measures. Local authorities have stated they will intensify enforcement and monitoring to reduce the risk of such tragic events.
In conclusion, the death of Ashiq not only represents a personal loss to his family and community but also highlights broader road safety issues that require immediate attention to prevent further fatalities on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway.