A poignant call for road safety reverberated through the streets of Nawabganj as a young advocate took a stand for change.

Fatema Afrin Chhoya, a fifth-grader whose age falls within the typical range of 11-12 years in Bangladesh's public education system, orchestrated a unique protest from Sunday morning till noon at two bustling intersections – Tajer Mor and Bridge Mor.

Blindfolded and armed with a compelling placard, Chhoya's silent protest bore a powerful message: "We want safety on the roads, we want to live like we're really living, we want the implementation of traffic laws to prevent accidents."

Expressing her motivations to UNB, Chhoya articulated the anguish fueling her activism: "Every day, I see news of deaths due to road accidents on TV and in newspapers. The uncertainty of safely returning home or to school weighs heavily on my mind. The recent tragedy in Sahapur, where a child lost both parents, struck me deeply. I want safe roads for everyone."

Her father, Khademul Islam Captain, a renowned music artist, highlighted the personal impact of recent road tragedies and wholeheartedly endorsed his daughter's mission for safer roads.

Joined by supportive pedestrians, including Zulfikar Rahman, Nilofer Yasmin, and Tanha Khatun, Chhoya's solitary demonstration garnered admiration and solidarity. Rahman emphasized the pervasive sense of insecurity on the roads, echoing the sentiments of many.

ASM Raihan Alom, President of NIRAPAD SARAK CHAI (NISCHA), Nawabganj District Branch, commended Chhoya's initiative, stressing the importance of collective action and awareness to curb road accidents.

Chhoya's lone voice symbolizes a collective plea resonating across generations for safer roads and stricter adherence to traffic regulations, signaling hope for a future where road tragedies become rare occurrences.