Sajek has become a popular tourist destination in Bangladesh, with its scenic view of hills, greeneries and skyline melting into one. Though it is situated in Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila, one must go through Khagrachhari to reach Sajek.

The distance from Khagrachhari to Sajek is around 70 kilometres -- a 4-to-5 hour drive through the twisted hilly roads.

Jeeps, locally known as "Chander Gari", are the most popular mode of transportation, followed closely by CNG-run vehicles, Tomtom or Mahindra, and bikes.

However, the commute is not as easy as it sounds. The hilly roads of Sajek witness four to five fatal accidents almost every month, claim locals.

Every day, around 500 jeeps, 200 Mahindras, 150 CNG-run auto-rickshaws and numerous bikes use this narrow road from Khagrachhari to Sajek.

Jeeps are involved with the highest number of road accidents, as it is used by both tourists and locals who board them to take their produce to the market, mainly due to their flexibility and low fare.

The last accident occurred on March 3, 2023, when a tourist named Fardin Hasan Bishal, 35, lost his life. Eight others were injured in the accident.

Local engineers involved with the road construction projects said the most accident-prone area is a two-km steep road which comes after crossing Ruilui.

"Non-locals cannot grasp the turn taken by this road. Besides, the road is only 5.5 inches wide and the bikes have a tendency of overtaking, making it hard to navigate smoothly," said an engineer, requesting anonymity.

Locals claim that many of these drivers have no licence to operate a vehicle.

Gyanojuti Chakma, a local, said, "The number of accidents increased manifold in 2022. Most of the jeep drivers are not licenced. They start by helping out the driver and later are allowed to drive themselves. Most of these trainees are young or teenagers, who are often reckless."

Contacted, Parimal Debnath, Sajek Jeep Malik Samity, claimed that it takes almost five to six years to get a licence from BRTA, after passing the test. 

"For example, my employee Kamal Uddin has been a professional driver for years. He applied for his licence some five years ago and still has not received it. Besides, it is not the drivers who are at fault. The nature of the roads in the valley makes it a difficult endeavour to drive safely," he added.

Rangamati District Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said Sajek's distance from the main district makes it harder to monitor the situation efficiently. "However, we have taken preventive measures to reduce the risks of road accidents."

Sajek Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Nurul Hoque said, "We set a rule where drivers can drive on only one lane. However, most of the time, this rule is not followed."

"Not only reckless driving but unfit vehicles are also responsible for these accidents. We have taken steps to identify these unfit vehicles. We have already instructed all bike riders to wear helmets," he added.