, May 17 -- Amid a sharp rise in road traffic fatalities across Bangladesh, BRAC has called for urgent action to ensure safer walking and cycling environments, as part of its observance of the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025 from May 12-18.

According to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, over 8,500 people died in road crashes across the country in 2024 - marking an 8.11 percent increase from the previous year.

Among the deceased were 1,879 pedestrians, highlighting the vulnerability of those who walk or cycle in Bangladesh's traffic system, said a press release issued on Saturday.

In line with this year's global theme, "Streets for Life - Make Walking Safe and Make Cycling Safe", BRAC's Road Safety Programme launched a series of i...