Gobindaganj, Gaibandha — Tragedy struck on the Dhaka–Rangpur Highway on Saturday evening (24 January) when a head-on collision between an auto-van and a tractor claimed the lives of two men. The accident occurred in the Fashitola–Kalahati area of Gobindaganj, leaving the local community in shock.
According to the Gobindaganj Highway Police, the auto-van, loaded with potatoes, was travelling from Gobindaganj towards Fashitola. As it reached Kalahati, it collided head-on with a tractor transporting oil, which was moving in the opposite direction.
The impact was severe, and both the owner of the auto-van, Munshur Ali, and his helper, Rana Mia, died instantly at the scene. Authorities confirmed that both men were residents of Shibganj Upazila in Bogura District. Their bodies were handed over to family members later that night.
The accident has raised concerns over road safety on this busy highway. The Highway Police Chief, Officer-in-Charge Mozaffar Hossain, stated that the driver of the tractor fled the scene immediately after the collision, prompting a manhunt for the suspect.
Accident Details at a Glance:
| Date & Time | Location | Vehicles Involved | Casualties | Victims’ Residence | Status of Other Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 January, Evening | Fashitola–Kalahati, Gobindaganj | Auto-van, Tractor | 2 dead (Munshur Ali, Rana Mia) | Shibganj, Bogura District | Tractor driver fled the scene |
Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information about the tractor driver to come forward. Local residents have also called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident adds to a growing list of fatal accidents along the Dhaka–Rangpur Highway, which has been notorious for collisions due to narrow roads, heavy commercial traffic, and reckless driving. Safety advocates are pressing for immediate measures, including proper road signage, speed regulation, and stricter licensing for heavy vehicle operators.