Nurul Amin Khan, Sylhet Bureau Chief: A total of 83 people were killed and 127 injured in road accidents across Sylhet division during the first three months of the year, with many victims left permanently disabled. Most of the casualties were motorcycle drivers and passengers.

The figures were revealed in a report published saturday by the Sylhet divisional committee of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA).

According to the report, March recorded the highest number of casualties compared to January and February. In that month alone, 29 accidents resulted in 32 deaths and 44 injuries. At least 10 people were killed during Eid travel.

Between January and March, a total of 80 road accidents occurred in the division. Sylhet district recorded 29 accidents, with 31 deaths and 36 injuries.

Sunamganj reported 17 accidents, resulting in 15 deaths and 32 injuries, while Moulvibazar saw 17 accidents with 18 deaths and 17 injuries. Habiganj also recorded 17 accidents, leaving 19 people dead and 42 injured.

Motorcycles accounted for a significant portion of the casualties, with 26 deaths in 26 motorcycle-related accidents during the period. Additionally, 16 accidents involving CNG-run auto-rickshaws and legunas caused 20 deaths, while 21 other accidents involving various vehicles resulted in 21 fatalities.

In March alone, Sylhet district recorded 10 accidents with 10 deaths and 16 injuries. Sunamganj had 6 accidents with 5 deaths and 10 injuries, Moulvibazar reported 7 accidents with 9 deaths and 6 injuries, and Habiganj recorded 6 accidents, resulting in 8 deaths and 12 injuries.

Zahirul Islam Mishu, central joint organizational secretary of NISCHA and convener of its Sylhet district unit, said the report was compiled using data from five local daily newspapers and online portals, two national dailies, as well as unreported incidents and information from NISCHA’s local branches.