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About Us

Road Safety Foundation

The Road Safety Foundation has been established in 2017 embodied with transport and road safety experts, legal professionals, educators, physician, journalists, business community leaders and social activists. As a nonprofit volunteer organization, the Foundation is dedicated to enhancing overall road safety, encompassing widespread awareness raising, improving education for transport operators, and mitigating the impact of road crashes.

The Road Safety Foundation strives to develop road safety research and work to persuade policymakers to address road safety issues. Its core focus areas include Education, Advocacy, Research, Digitization, and Innovation. The Foundation is working to formulate a sustainable strategy for reducing the societal and economic toll of road crashes, as well as providing a platform for future research and advocacy endeavors. It also serves as a pivotal organization, fostering collaboration among various road safety initiatives and community groups.

The Road Safety Foundation is registered in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh under the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms in accordance with the Societies Registration Act (Registration No.: S-14514/2026). The Foundation operates nationwide across Bangladesh.

The importance of road safety is increasing globally. Bangladesh remains committed to achieving the goals of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 led by the United Nations. The Road Safety Foundation conducts its programs and initiatives in alignment with the Five Pillars of Road Safety of the World Health Organization, the Safe System Approach, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets 3.6 and 11.2, the Stockholm Declaration (2020), and the Marrakech Declaration.

Vision

To build a safe, user-friendly, and technology-driven road transport system by strengthening the capacity and awareness of roads, vehicles, and all road users, while striving to reduce road traffic fatalities to zero.

Mission

1. To enhance awareness among road users and relevant authorities regarding the social and economic consequences of road traffic crashes.
2. To identify the root causes of road accidents and work toward sustainable solutions.

Working Strategy

The Road Safety Foundation implements its road safety initiatives through a systematic, inclusive, and data-driven approach.

Road Safety Foundation

Core Activities

A

Awareness and Advocacy

B

Policy Support

C

Training and Development

D

Social Welfare and Legal Aid

E

Research and Recognition
A

Awareness and Advocacy

Reaching citizens, transport workers, and institutions directly

  • Organizing signature campaigns, human chains, and rallies to mobilize public opinion on road safety
  • Promoting awareness among concerned authorities, transport owners and workers, and the general public through posters and leaflets, documentary screenings, accident data-based banners, and street theatre performances
  • Installing road safety guidance boards in educational institutions, banks and insurance companies, hospitals, and other public and private establishments
  • Producing and broadcasting a television talk show titled "Jibon o Sorok" (Road and Life)
B

Policy Support

Advising government on transport strategy and institutional reform

  • Organizing policy-making seminars, roundtable discussions, press conferences, and national dialogues on road safety issues, including proper transportation strategy and alleviating traffic congestion
  • Providing policy advice to the government and mobilizing public opinion to reduce pressure on roads by improving rail and inland water transport as sustainable modes of public transportation
  • Advising the government to reorganize the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and place the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) under its oversight
  • Recommending reforms to ensure institutional effectiveness and accountability by restructuring the management and organizational frameworks of BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA, and by appointing domain experts to top leadership positions
C

Training and Development

Building safer, more capable transport professionals

  • Arranging motivational training programs for transport workers to enhance professional awareness
  • Organizing capacity-building workshops for transport owners and workers on safe operations and regulatory compliance
  • Establishing driving schools to develop skilled drivers
  • Providing road crash rescue training to students and youth in road crash-prone areas
  • Conducting road safety awareness campaigns in educational institutions
  • Arranging recreational programs to support the mental well-being of transport workers
D

Social Welfare and Legal Assistance

Supporting victims, survivors, and families

  • Leading awareness initiatives and providing support to help road crash victims secure rightful compensation
  • Establishing and operating shelter centers for children who have lost their guardians in road crashes
  • Implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs for persons disabled by road crashes
  • Delivering dedicated healthcare support services for transport workers
  • Promoting and organizing voluntary blood donation programs among students and youth
  • Implementing legal aid programs to ensure women's safety and protection in public transport
E

Research and Recognition

Evidence, publication, and honoring safe practice

  • Undertaking systematic research into the causes of road traffic crashes and congestion, and assessing their socio-economic impacts
  • Publishing regular, evidence-based analytical reports on road traffic crashes through the media
  • Nationally recognizing and awarding skilled drivers and responsible transport owners to encourage safe driving practices

Recommendations of the Road Safety Foundation

With the aim of establishing discipline in the road transport sector, the Road Safety Foundation has formulated the following recommendations based on an analysis of road users’ psychological and social behaviour, as well as an assessment of road infrastructure and vehicle management systems.

Restructuring of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC)

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) should be restructured as the apex authority for road safety governance, with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) placed under its administrative and operational oversight. The Council should be empowered to formulate, coordinate, and enforce laws, rules, regulations, and policies related to road transport and road safety. A full-fledged secretariat with adequate technical and administrative capacity should also be established to ensure effective coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of road safety initiatives.

Management and Structural Reforms of BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA

Due to institutional mismanagement and structural deficiencies within BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA, it has not been possible to establish discipline in the road transport sector. Over time, the sector has gradually come under the control of vested interest groups, while the relevant institutions have failed to take effective action against them. The lack of transparency and accountability has fostered a culture of impunity, in which those responsible for road crashes and transport-related misconduct often remain beyond the reach of justice. Consequently, initiatives aimed at establishing discipline in the transport sector have largely been confined to the formation of committees and the development of policy recommendations, with little practical implementation.


BRTC has failed to provide the expected standard of public transport services, while DTCA has also been unsuccessful in ensuring discipline within the capital’s public transport system. In this context, comprehensive management and structural reforms of BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA are essential to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance operational efficiency, ensure transparency and accountability, and ultimately establish good governance and discipline in the road transport sector.

Appointment of Technical Experts to Top Leadership Positions in BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA

BRTA, BRTC, and DTCA are specialized technical institutions within the transport sector. Therefore, individuals with proven expertise and experience in transport management, road safety, urban mobility, engineering, planning, or related fields should be appointed to the top leadership positions of these organizations. In addition, competent and experienced professionals should be recruited to support the heads of these institutions in policy formulation, strategic planning, and the effective implementation of transport sector reforms.

Integration of Advanced Safety Technologies in Motor Vehicles

The installation and use of modern safety technologies in motor vehicles- such as Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Road Traffic Safety Management Systems (RTSMS)- should be made mandatory. The integration of these technologies will enhance road safety through real-time vehicle monitoring, improved traffic management, strengthened regulatory oversight, and greater accountability within the transport sector.

 

Withdrawal of Expired and Unroadworthy Vehicles

At present, more than 500,000 expired and unroadworthy vehicles exist in the country, of which approximately 70 percent remain in operation. Around 75,000 of these are buses and freight vehicles. More than 10,000 expired vehicles are operating in Dhaka and its surrounding areas, including the capital city. These unfit vehicles contribute significantly to road crashes. Therefore, urgent and effective measures must be taken to remove expired and unroadworthy vehicles from the roads. At the same time, vehicle owners should be provided with access to soft loans and other financial support mechanisms on easy terms and conditions to facilitate the replacement of old vehicles with safer and more modern alternatives.

Institutional Initiatives for Driver Training and Development

The majority of drivers in the country are trained through informal and unregulated processes. As a result, many lack adequate knowledge of road safety regulations, traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and professional discipline, which significantly contributes to road crashes. To address this challenge, institutional and professional driver training programs must be strengthened and expanded to develop skilled, competent, and safety-conscious drivers.

 

Ensuring Professional Rights, Welfare, and Working Conditions of Drivers

In accordance with the Road Transport Act 2018, drivers must be provided with formal appointment letters specifying their wages, working hours, duties, and terms of employment. In addition, their access to healthcare, insurance coverage, social protection, rest facilities, and other occupational benefits must be ensured. Improving the professional rights, welfare, and working conditions of drivers is essential for enhancing road safety, professionalism, and accountability in the transport sector.

Motorcycle Speed Management and Mandatory Use of Standard Helmets

In Bangladesh, motorcycle crashes account for the highest number of fatalities among all categories of road traffic accidents. Reckless riding, excessive speed, and the failure to use standard helmets are the major contributing factors. To address this growing road safety concern, traffic laws must be strictly enforced to prevent unlicensed riding, technology-based speed management systems for motorcycles should be introduced, and the use of certified standard helmets should be made mandatory for both riders and passengers.

Motorcycle crashes account for the highest number of fatalities among all categories of road traffic accidents in Bangladesh. Reckless riding, excessive speed, and failure to use standard helmets are the major contributing factors.

Traffic laws must be strictly enforced to prevent unlicensed riding, technology-based speed management systems for motorcycles should be introduced, and the use of certified standard helmets should be made mandatory for both riders and passengers.

Safe Road Design for Small and Low-Speed Vehicles

Safe road design measures, including the construction of dedicated service roads along all highways, should be introduced for small and low-speed vehicles such as CNG-run auto-rickshaws and battery-operated three-wheelers. The safety standards of these vulnerable and high-risk vehicles should be improved through effective regulation, regular fitness certification, and proper registration systems. In addition, drivers should receive motivational and road safety-focused training to promote responsible driving behavior and reduce the risk of crashes.

Introduction of Modern Company-Based Bus Services through Route Rationalization in the Capital

The most practical and sustainable solution for establishing discipline in the capital’s public transport system and reducing traffic congestion is the introduction of modern company-based bus services through route rationalization. Once this system is implemented, many commuters will choose buses instead of private vehicles for their daily travel. A reduction in the number of private vehicles on the roads will help ease traffic congestion and improve the speed, efficiency, and reliability of bus services.

At present, private vehicles and rickshaws occupy more than 75% of the city’s road space, while private vehicles carry only 11% of passengers. In contrast, public transport serves 53% of daily commuters. Therefore, at least 4,000 new buses should be procured and operated under a company-based management framework. There is no viable alternative to this initiative.


The implementation of this system will eliminate extortion and unhealthy competition for passengers within the public transport sector. It will enhance discipline, accountability, and operational efficiency in urban transportation, while ensuring that city residents can travel in a safe, affordable, efficient, and dignified manner.

Mandatory Institutional Bus Services for School and College Students in the Capital

Thousands of private vehicles are used every morning and afternoon to transport school and college students across the capital, contributing significantly to severe traffic congestion during peak hours. This situation can be substantially improved if educational institutions operate dedicated bus services of their own, enabling large numbers of students to commute collectively rather than individually. In addition to reducing traffic congestion, institutional bus services would help foster values of equality, social inclusion, and shared civic responsibility among students. Therefore, all schools and colleges in the capital should be required to introduce and operate their own bus services. To support this initiative, the government may reduce import duties on buses and provide concessional loans or other forms of financial assistance for bus procurement.

Strengthening the Knowledge and Capacity of Administration Cadre Officers on Road Safety

Administration cadre officers play a vital role in public administration, policy formulation, and the implementation of government initiatives. Therefore, strengthening their knowledge and institutional capacity in the field of road safety is essential for ensuring effective governance and management of the transport sector.

To achieve this, road safety modules should be incorporated into the training curricula of administration cadre officers. Such training would equip them with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding necessary to formulate, coordinate, and implement evidence-based road safety policies, programs, and interventions more effectively. Enhanced capacity among administrative officers would also contribute to stronger inter-agency coordination, improved policy implementation, and better road safety outcomes nationwide.

Allocation of a Dedicated Budget for Enhancing Road User Awareness and Skills

A substantial amount of public funding is allocated each year for road construction and infrastructure development in the country. However, no dedicated financial allocation exists for improving the awareness, education, and skills of road users through structured training and outreach programs. As a result, thousands of lives are lost in road crashes every year.

To address this challenge, motivational and safety-oriented training programs should be regularly conducted for vehicle drivers. At the same time, road safety education and awareness campaigns should be systematically integrated into school curricula and implemented among students. In addition, sustained public awareness campaigns should be carried out through mass media and social media platforms using contextually relevant, evidence-based, and impactful messages. Public awareness can also be promoted through posters, folk songs, street theatre, and other culturally rooted communication tools.

Therefore, a separate budget line or economic code should be established within the national budget to ensure dedicated and sustainable financial support for road safety education, awareness, and capacity-building initiatives.

Establishment of an Integrated Ministry of Communications by Combining Road, Rail, and Water Transport to Enhance Road Safety and Ensure Transport Discipline

Rail and water transport are the most cost-effective, safe, and sustainable modes of public transportation. These modes facilitate the movement of large volumes of passengers and freight at significantly lower costs than road transport. Therefore, improving rail and water transport systems would reduce the cost of transporting goods and contribute to lower consumer prices in the market.
At the same time, reducing dependence on road transport would help decrease the number of road traffic crashes, as a significant proportion of such crashes involve freight vehicles. Furthermore, the availability of efficient alternative modes for passenger and cargo transportation would reduce the monopolistic influence of bus and truck operators.

In this context, road, rail, and water transport should be integrated under a single unified Ministry of Communications. Such integration would promote effective coordination among the three modes of transport and support the development of a planned, balanced, efficient, and safer transportation system for the country.

Increasing Budget Allocation for the Trust Fund to Provide Financial Assistance to Road Accident Victims

In accordance with the Road Transport Act 2018, financial assistance is provided through a designated Trust Fund. Under this arrangement, a compensation of BDT 500,000 is granted in the event of a road accident fatality; BDT 300,000 is provided in cases of permanent disability or loss of a limb; and BDT 100,000 is offered to victims who are expected to recover through medical treatment and return to normal life. To receive this assistance, an application must be submitted to the Chairman of the Trustee Board within 90 days of the accident.

However, the majority of road accident victims remain unaware of the existence of this Trust Fund due to the lack of adequate publicity and outreach initiatives. As a result, many eligible individuals fail to receive the support to which they are entitled. It is estimated that if financial assistance were provided to all eligible road accident victims each year, approximately BDT 5,050 crore would be required annually. Due to inadequate budget allocations, the Trust Fund is unable to support all eligible beneficiaries. In practice, the shortage of financial resources is one of the key reasons why the government has not actively promoted the Fund, resulting in widespread public unawareness.

Since most road accidents, injuries, and fatalities occur as a result of systemic failures, mismanagement, and negligence, it is the moral responsibility of the state to provide financial support to affected individuals and their families. Therefore, an annual allocation of approximately BDT 5,050 crore should be ensured for the Trust Fund. Furthermore, if effective road safety measures are implemented, the number of accidents—and consequently the required level of funding-will gradually decline over time.

It is also important to note that the immediate priority for road accident victims is access to medical treatment, which often requires urgent financial assistance. However, the current Trust Fund mechanism does not provide support on an emergency basis; even the 90-day application period does not adequately address the urgent medical needs of victims. Therefore, the process for disbursing financial assistance from the Trust Fund should be reformed to ensure that support is delivered more quickly, efficiently, and responsively in emergency situations.

Conclusion

The establishment of a safe, sustainable, and efficient road transport system requires timely policy reforms, technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, and comprehensive education and awareness programmes for all road users. Above all, strong political commitment and sustained leadership from the government are essential to achieving these objectives.