A devastating accident claimed the life of 20-year-old Mohammad Roman on Friday morning in Chandpur, as he was en route to purchase fish after the Fajr prayers. Roman’s untimely death left two others injured and sparked outrage in the local community.
The incident took place at Bhatialpur Crossroads along the Chandpur-Lakshmipur regional highway in the Faridganj municipality. Roman, accompanied by Bappi, 18, and Sohag, 17, was struck by a covered van while crossing the road. Both Bappi and Sohag were critically injured and are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
Roman hailed from Char Kumira village, the son of Jasim Jamadar, and was known for his gentle personality and commitment to his family. His death has left relatives and friends in deep shock, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.
According to witnesses, the van involved in the accident, registered as Dhaka Metro-T-13-3124, was commandeered by an angry mob immediately after the collision. The crowd held the vehicle until police arrived on the scene, reflecting the community’s anger and grief over the fatal incident.
Faridganj Police confirmed that the driver of the van, along with two associates, Imran, 26, and Md. Ikram, 23, had been arrested, and the vehicle was impounded. Officer-in-Charge Helal Uddin assured that the case was being investigated under the relevant road safety and criminal laws.
The incident has brought attention to the dangerous conditions on Chandpur-Lakshmipur highway, where pedestrian safety is often overlooked, and reckless driving is a persistent threat. Local residents are calling for urgent measures, including better traffic controls and awareness campaigns to prevent further tragedies.
Roman’s death has stirred widespread grief in the municipality, with friends, neighbours, and local leaders demanding swift justice. They insist that drivers of commercial vehicles should adhere to traffic rules strictly and take responsibility for public safety.
As the community mourns, authorities are under pressure to take concrete action to curb traffic accidents and ensure the safety of pedestrians. This heartbreaking accident serves as a grim reminder of the fragile line between routine daily life and sudden tragedy on Chandpur’s roads.