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Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Unmarked speed breakers on Dhaka's Hatirjheel roads pose a significant crash risk to motorists, with many failing to see them in time.
- The hazard was highlighted after a chief reporter suffered critical head injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by an unmarked speed breaker.
- Many speed breakers have faded markings or remain unpainted after recent roadwork, raising safety concerns and contributing to frequent accidents.
Motorists navigating Dhaka's Hatirjheel roads face a serious safety hazard due to unmarked speed breakers, increasing the risk of accidents. The danger became acutely apparent when Rashidul Hasan, chief reporter (digital) at The Daily Star, sustained critical head injuries after his motorcycle crashed into an unmarked speed breaker near the FDC boat pier.
A recent inspection revealed at least 13 speed breakers along the circular roadway, none clearly visible. Markings on five have completely faded, while eight newly installed ones remain unpainted following recent carpeting work. This lack of visibility is particularly problematic in direct sunlight, causing vehicles to lose control upon unexpectedly hitting the bumps.
Many motorcycles and vehicles crash there during the daytime, especially around noon. As there are no markings, the speed breakers are difficult to notice in direct sunlight. Speeding vehicles suddenly hit it and lose control.
Hatirjheel, a vital artery connecting several key parts of the capital, has seen multiple accidents over the years attributed to these unmarked hazards. Although the project was handed over to Rajuk in June 2021, proper markings have not been completed. Rajuk's superintending engineer cited unfinished road work and monsoon delays as reasons for the incomplete markings, stating that only curb stones have been painted.
Many of the bumps were installed where they are not even necessary, and there are no markings. Anyone unfamiliar with the road can easily face trouble because of the unmarked speed breakers.
Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.