Bangladesh’s first expressway, the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway, is increasingly turning into a danger zone. Overspeeding and reckless driving have made the road a hotspot for accidents. In just the first 21 days of this month, 13 crashes claimed 10 lives. Despite repeated tragedies, no effective measures have been enforced to curb the rising death toll.

On December 27 last year, a horrific accident occurred when a bus ran over a private car near the Dhaleshwari toll plaza, killing six people on the spot. Earlier, on April 18, the roof of a passenger bus blew off in Srinagar, Munshiganj, due to overspeeding. On May 8, at Nimtola, five members of the same family—including parents and a sister—were killed when a bus rammed into their ambulance while they were changing a tire. The most recent tragedy came on August 21, when two separate crashes on the same day killed six people.

In August alone, there were 11 more accidents that left four dead and at least 35 injured.

Drivers say many motorists operate vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while reckless motorcyclists push others off balance at high speed, causing chain accidents.

The expressway, stretching 32 kilometers from Dholaikhal in Dhaka to Mawa, was equipped with an Intelligent Transport System (ITS)—including automatic number plate recognition cameras, speed detectors, and dynamic lane messaging signs. But due to poor enforcement, the system remains ineffective, turning a modern highway into a race track of lawlessness.

Police officials say a new process will soon begin where vehicles caught on ITS cameras will face online fines. “Highway police will be directly integrated into the ITS system,” said Abu Nayeem Siddiqui, officer-in-charge of Hasara Highway Police Station in Munshiganj.

According to the Roads and Highways Department, the Traffic Management Center will soon start real-time monitoring, ensuring that reckless drivers can be penalized. Still, officials admit that law enforcement and public awareness are crucial to prevent further tragedies.

Government data paints a grim picture: in July alone, 18 accidents occurred on this expressway. Since its inauguration three years ago, the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway has witnessed 1,303 accidents, claiming 184 lives.