A devastating road accident in Bhanga Upazila, Faridpur, claimed the lives of three individuals, including two women, on Friday, 5 December. The collision occurred shortly before noon at Purbo Sadardi, along the heavily trafficked Dhaka–Barishal Highway, according to local authorities.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tragedy unfolded when an auto-rickshaw travelling from Bhanga towards Chumurdhi attempted to overtake another vehicle. It was struck head-on by a bus moving at high speed from the Barishal direction. The force of the impact was so severe that all three occupants of the auto-rickshaw died instantly at the scene.
Emergency response teams from the Bhanga Fire Service and Civil Defence, together with officers from Bhanga Highway Police, rushed to the site to carry out rescue operations and manage traffic. Sub-Inspector Mohammad Sohel of the Bhanga Highway Police confirmed the three fatalities but noted that the identities of the deceased were still being verified. He added that investigations into the circumstances leading to the crash are ongoing.
Authorities have repeatedly urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on busy inter-district highways, emphasising that overtaking manoeuvres are among the leading causes of collisions in Bangladesh. This incident highlights the persistent risks faced by smaller vehicles such as auto-rickshaws when sharing the road with larger, faster-moving buses.
The tragic event has reignited calls for improved road safety measures, including stricter enforcement of speed limits, better signage, and public awareness campaigns to reduce traffic accidents. According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority data, inter-district highways remain hotspots for accidents, with collisions involving buses and smaller vehicles disproportionately resulting in fatalities.
Accident Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Purbo Sadardi, Dhaka–Barishal Highway, Bhanga, Faridpur |
| Vehicles Involved | Bus, auto-rickshaw |
| Casualties | 3 dead (including 2 women) |
| Rescue Agencies | Bhanga Fire Service & Civil Defence, Bhanga Highway Police |
| Time of Accident | Friday, 5 December, shortly before noon |
As investigations continue, local authorities have urged commuters to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, particularly on stretches of road prone to high-speed travel. For many, this latest tragedy is a grim reminder of the urgent need for safer driving practices and more robust highway management across Bangladesh.