Families who lose loved ones in road accidents and survivors left with permanent disabilities continue to face significant challenges in securing fair compensation in Bangladesh. Although the law provides for financial assistance, complicated application procedures, lengthy legal proceedings and questions over the amount of compensation have led many victims to seek justice through the High Court.
According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) data cited by Bangla Tribune, between January 2023 and July 2025, only 1,471 victims or their families received compensation out of 31,904 people killed or injured in road accidents. A total of Tk 65.57 crore was distributed during that period, meaning only around 4.6% of those affected received financial assistance.
Under the Road Transport Act 2018, the existing compensation framework provides Tk 500,000 to the family of a person killed in a road accident, Tk 300,000 for the loss of a major body part, and Tk 100,000 for certain categories of injuries. However, questions remain over whether these amounts adequately cover medical expenses, lost earning capacity and the long-term financial hardship faced by victims and their families.
Complex Procedures and Lengthy Legal Battles
Collecting the necessary documents and meeting application deadlines can be difficult for families already coping with grief or serious injuries. These procedural barriers have limited access to compensation, despite the existence of a legal framework intended to support victims.
In January 2026, the application deadline for compensation was reportedly extended from 30 days to 90 days, offering applicants more time to submit their claims.
Legal experts say greater use of tort law in lower courts could help victims seek compensation through civil cases without routinely having to file writ petitions in the High Court. However, civil proceedings can also take years because of procedural requirements, including serving notices, submitting responses, examining witnesses and presenting arguments.
Barrister Sanjid Siddiqui has called for amendments to civil procedure rules to introduce a fast-track system, suggesting that cases could be completed within six months to one year.
Landmark Cases Highlight Compensation Challenges
Several high-profile cases have brought attention to the difficulties victims face in obtaining compensation. These include the deaths of filmmaker Tareque Masud and journalist Mishuk Munier, as well as the case of Russell Sarkar, who lost a leg after being run over by a Green Line Paribahan bus.
The High Court ordered Green Line Paribahan to pay Tk 5 million in compensation to Russell Sarkar. Meanwhile, the compensation issue in the Tareque Masud and Mishuk Munier case remains pending before the Appellate Division, according to the report.
In another case, following a July 2025 accident at the Dhaleshwari toll plaza, the High Court issued a rule asking why compensation should not be awarded to the families of six people killed, at Tk 15 million per family, and Tk 5 million each to five injured victims.
Calls for Reform
Lawyer Huzzatul Islam Al Fesani argues that the existing compensation limits need to be updated to reflect current realities. He believes compensation should take into account factors such as the severity of the accident, the financial capacity of the responsible party and the losses suffered by victims.
The debate highlights a broader challenge: having a compensation law does not necessarily guarantee that victims can access timely and adequate support. Legal experts say updating compensation rules and making court proceedings faster could help road accident victims and their families pursue justice more effectively.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 22 Oct 2026, 18:00.
