Two Journalists Killed by Speeding Bus in Uttara

Two young journalists lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the capital’s Uttara area during the early hours of Thursday, 16 July. The victims were returning home after watching a major football match on a public big screen when a speeding bus ran over them. The incident took place at the Jasimuddin Road bus stand area in Uttara Sector 3, highlighting the ongoing hazards of reckless driving on the city’s highways during off-peak hours.

The deceased have been identified as Rabiul Alam Raju, a reporter for the newspaper Praner Bangladesh, and Sakibul Hasan, a journalist representing the newspaper Songbad Digonto. Both individuals were prominent members of the local media community. Sakibul Hasan served as the treasurer of the Uttara Press Club, whilst Rabiul Alam Raju held the position of entertainment secretary within the same organisation. Their sudden and untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through the local journalism fraternity, leaving colleagues and family members in deep mourning.

According to local and police sources, the two journalists had gathered with other football enthusiasts to watch the high-stakes World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and England, broadcast live on a large outdoor screen in the area. Following the conclusion of the match, they began their journey home on foot before dawn. As they arrived near the Jasimuddin Road bus stand, a recklessly driven passenger bus struck them violently, leaving both men critically injured on the tarmac.

Pedestrians and witnesses rushed to the scene immediately after the collision. The victims were recovered in an unconscious state and swiftly transported to Kurmitola General Hospital in a desperate bid to save their lives. However, the attending doctors pronounced them dead upon arrival. Medical staff confirmed that severe internal trauma and excessive bleeding from the impact had caused their deaths before any medical intervention could be administered.

Mohammad Khalid Monsur, the officer-in-charge of Uttara West Police Station, confirmed the details of the accident. He stated that law enforcement officials arrived at the scene and the hospital shortly after receiving the report. The police have launched a thorough investigation to identify the vehicle responsible for the crash. The driver and the helper managed to flee the scene with the bus immediately after the incident.

Authorities are currently reviewing closed-circuit television footage from adjacent buildings and traffic security cameras along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway to track down the runaway vehicle. The bodies have been kept at the hospital morgue for post-mortem examinations, and legal formalities are underway before they are handed over to the grieving families for their final rites.