Frequent accidents on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, exacerbated by dense fog, have raised concerns about operational flaws in its design and management. On 22 December, multiple collisions left one dead and over 50 injured, with experts citing inadequate safety measures as a contributing factor.

Dr Shamsul Hoque, director of the Accident Research Institute (ARI) at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), identified the lack of a Variable Message Sign (VMS) system as a critical issue.

“Dense fog and rain create visibility challenges that require dynamic speed control. Advanced countries use VMS to adjust speed limits based on weather conditions. However, our expressway, built at Tk12,000 crore, lacks VMS, proper markings and other essential safety measures,” he said.

He warned that such operational deficiencies would lead to more frequent and severe accidents in the future.

Accidents on 22 December

Around 7am on 22 December, a series of collisions involving 10 vehicles—including buses, private cars, and trucks—occurred on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway due to poor visibility. Vehicles such as Golden Line, Ena, Sakura buses and others were severely damaged, with one fatality and over 50 injuries reported.

The following day, on 23 December, another fog-related accident claimed one life and injured five others.

Fog-related hazards are not limited to the roads. On the night of 22 December, two launches—MV Kirtonkhola-10 and MV Prince Awlad-10—collided in a river in Barishal due to poor visibility. Both vessels suffered severe damage, though no casualties were reported.

Experts warn that fog has increasingly been posing risks across road, rail and water transport systems,highlighting the need for comprehensive measures.

Dr Hoque of BUET criticised the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) for its inadequate driver training programmes.

“Drivers lack proper education on how to operate vehicles during adverse weather conditions. Licenses are often issued without sufficient scrutiny,” he said.

He emphasised that highway police must play a more proactive role during hazardous conditions.

“Without digital signs, police could implement temporary measures during foggy conditions. However, they are often absent when needed most. Instead of solely blaming drivers, we must hold BRTA and highway authorities accountable for systemic flaws,” he said

According to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, 415 road accidents nationwide in November resulted in 497 deaths and 747 injuries. Railways experienced 64 accidents, 79 died and 43 injured, while waterways reported seven accidents, killing six and injuring 29.

Railways’ lack of modern technology

Bangladesh Railway lacks modern fog-mitigation technologies, forcing trains to operate under risky conditions. Drivers reported that fog reduces visibility to as low as 10-15 feet, creating challenges at crossings and increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Countries worldwide use advanced systems like Fog Pass, Track Detonators and Line Marking, but Bangladesh still relies on outdated methods like signal flares. Despite significant investment in railway development over the past decade, no measures have been introduced to ensure safe train operations during fog.

Acknowledging these challenges, Md Afzal Hossain, director general of Bangladesh Railway, said, “Dense fog in northern regions affects train operations. Speed limits are reduced to mitigate risks, but this disrupts schedules.”

Recommendations for improvement

Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, secretary general of the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, urged awareness among drivers, passengers and transport owners.

He advised motorcyclists to wear reflective vests and stressed the importance of strict speed control during foggy conditions.

Experts unanimously call for investments in modern safety systems, improved driver training and enhanced operational management to reduce accidents and fatalities during adverse weather.