The bus that rammed into a several vehicles at a toll plaza on the Mawa Expressway killing six people, including four from the same family, had no valid documents.
The Rapid Action Battalion has arrested Mohammad Nuruddin, the driver of the bus.
RAB revealed that the driver’s license had expired two years ago, and the bus lacked valid documents including fitness certificate.
Despite this, the bus was being operated on the highway, posing severe risks.
Lt Col Munim Ferdous, Director of the Legal and Media Wing of RAB Headquarters, said Nuruddin was driving a bus from Sayedabad, Dhaka, to Patuakhali with 60 passengers on board.
At around 11:00am on December 27, the bus, traveling at a reckless speed, lost control near the Dhaleshwari toll plaza in South Keraniganj. It struck a car and a motorcycle waiting at the toll booth.
The collision resulted in the deaths of six people, including a woman and a seven-year-old child. Ten others sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
During questioning, Nuruddin admitted to driving various vehicles, including buses, trucks, and pickups, over the past decade. He confessed that his license had expired two years ago and that the bus lacked a fitness certificate.
Following the accident, Nuruddin fled the scene, taking an auto-rickshaw to Abdullahpur and later seeking shelter at his cousin’s house in Narayanganj. A joint operation by RAB-10 and RAB-11 led to his arrest in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on Friday night. He has since been handed over to the police.
The deceased included: Amena Akhter, 40, wife of Nur Alam, a resident of Nandankana village in Munshiganj, Israt Jahan, 24, Amena's elder daughter, Riha Moni, 11, her younger daughter
Ayaz Hossain, 2, Israt's son, Reshma Akhter, 26, wife of motorcyclist Sumon Mia, and Md Abdullah, 7, Reshma’s son.
Four others, including Nur Alam, his sister Fahmida Akhter, car driver Habibur Rahman, and motorcyclist Sumon Mia, were injured and are undergoing treatment.
CCTV footage captured the moment the Bepari Paribahan bus approached the toll plaza at a dangerously high speed, colliding with a motorcycle, microbus, and private car. The video went viral on social media, sparking public outrage.
Netizens speculated on the incident, with some questioning whether it was accidental or deliberate. Many called for a thorough investigation, urging authorities to ensure justice for the victims.
Five victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital. Of the injured, three were treated and discharged. Reshma Akhter, who was critically injured, was transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital and later succumbed to her injuries.