Dhaka urges stronger institutions to improve road safety and save lives

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has called for stronger institutions, better coordination and greater accountability to accelerate global efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries.

The minister made the remarks while co-chairing a multi-stakeholder panel at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, where Bangladesh's leadership in promoting road safety was highlighted, according to a message received on Wednesday.

Referring to the Progress Declaration, Rabiul underscored the importance of close collaboration among transport, health, police, finance, education, environment and local government authorities, supported by clearly defined institutional roles and coherent public policies.

He also emphasised the crucial contributions of local governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and young people in improving road safety, saying their efforts must be backed by strong government leadership and accountability.

The minister urged participants to focus on turning political commitments into effective institutions, coordinated implementation and measurable reductions in road traffic deaths and serious injuries.

Shaikh Rabiul Alam is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety at the UN Headquarters.

The delegation also includes Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury.