Three Killed in Bus Accidents, Locals Protest

In Lalmohan Upazila of Bhola, the tragic deaths of three people in a bus accident—occurring just three days after a previous incident that claimed the lives of two relatives—have sparked widespread outrage among local residents. The latest accident, which involved a mother and her son, has reignited calls for safer roads and stricter regulation of public transport vehicles.

On Tuesday (27 January) at around midday, local students and community activists staged a prolonged protest by blocking the Bhola–Charfassion regional highway at Gojaria Bazar for several hours. The blockade caused severe traffic disruption, leaving nearly a hundred vehicles stranded along both sides of the highway and causing significant distress to passengers and pedestrians alike.

Representatives from the local bus owners’ association later arrived at the scene to negotiate with the protesters. Following discussions, the association assured the demonstrators that necessary measures would be taken by 10 a.m. the following day (Wednesday), prompting the temporary lifting of the blockade.

According to local sources, the first accident occurred on Thursday (22 January) evening at the same stretch of the Bhola–Charfassion highway, near Dr. Azhar Uddin Degree College in Gojaria Bazar. A passenger bus struck a motorcycle, killing two riders, Abul Kalam and Md. Oli Ullah Dubai, who were relatives—specifically, brothers-in-law. In the aftermath of that incident, an enraged crowd set fire to the bus involved.

Barely days later, on Monday (26 January) afternoon, another bus collided with a rickshaw in the same area, killing three people instantly. The victims were:

• Rickshaw driver Md. Nasim, 43

• Passenger Shilpi Rani Das, 55

• Rani’s son, Tushar Das, 25

The three were residents of Shashiganj village in Ward No. 5 of Chandpur Union, Tajumuddin Upazila, Bhola.

The consecutive tragedies have heightened local anger against reckless bus drivers and insufficient road safety enforcement. Protesters, led by student groups, allege that the lack of proper monitoring and the prevalence of carelessly operated buses are to blame for the repeated fatal incidents. They demand stricter punishment for negligent drivers and immediate implementation of road safety measures.

Lalmohan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Oliul Islam confirmed to media that separate cases have been filed for each of the two accidents by the relatives of the deceased. However, as the bus drivers and their assistants remain unidentified, no arrests have yet been made. Authorities are actively working to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Summary of Recent Accidents

The repeated incidents have intensified calls for reform, with local communities urging authorities to enforce stringent safety measures, regulate public transport, and ensure accountability to prevent further loss of life.