A 50-year-old woman garment worker, Mariam Begum, was tragically killed in a road accident in the Itahata area on the Tangail Road under Gazipur City Corporation today. Mariam, a resident of the Ashulia area of Dhaka, was on her way to the Diganta Sweater Factory when she was struck by a bus from Takwa Paribahan. The bus fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Angry Protests and Road Blockage
Following the accident, angry locals set fire to a nearby Takwa Paribahan bus, causing a temporary suspension of vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway. The fire completely burned the interior of the bus, and it took about half an hour for police and Fire Service units to extinguish the blaze. Traffic on the highway returned to normal around 2:30 pm after the damaged bus was removed.
Investigation and Community Impact
Mariam Begum was the daughter of Osman Ali and worked as a garment worker at the local Diganta Sweater Factory. Her colleagues were deeply affected by her death, leading to protests and tension at the factory. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Basan Police Station Harun-or-Rashid confirmed that legal action would be taken in connection with the accident.
Road accidents are a significant concern in Bangladesh, often resulting from poor road conditions, inadequate traffic management, and reckless driving. The garment industry, a crucial part of Bangladesh's economy, employs millions of workers, many of whom face daily risks commuting to and from work. This incident highlights the urgent need for improved road safety measures and better protection for workers.
The community's immediate reaction to Mariam's death, including the setting fire to the bus, underscores the deep-seated frustration and anger over such incidents. It also reflects the lack of trust in authorities to ensure justice and safety for ordinary citizens. As the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that measures will be taken to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all road users.
