We applaud the High Court for its landmark verdict on the compensation case filed under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1983, by the family of Tareque Masud for his death in a road crash six years ago. The verdict is the first compensation trial held directly in the High Court instead of a lower court. This has shown the court's recognition of the importance of paying compensation to victims who have been injured or killed in road crashes, tragedies that could have been prevented. The verdict also holds accountable, drivers, transport companies and insurance companies – as all these parties have responsibility in these accidents, a fact not acknowledged heretofore.

Bangladesh has one of the highest incidences of road crashes. Last year 6,055 people were killed and 1,600 injured in road crashes. In the first six months of this year at least 2,297 people have been killed and 5,480 injured. But very few, if at all, cases are filed for compensation for victims.

On February 13, 2012, two cases were filed before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Manikganj by the families of film makers Tareque Masud and Mishuk Munier as claimants under Section 128 of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983. Considering its importance and potential to set a precedent in future, the High Court issued orders to move the cases to the HC. Thus the verdict is predicted to have long term implications. It will ensure compensation to victims as well as make drivers and transport companies more responsible and may well become a deterrent for reckless driving, unlicensed drivers and sending unfit vehicles on the road.

It is now crucial that the compensation ordered by the High Court be paid within a reasonable time and not dragged out indefinitely. We hope, moreover, that the government will set up operational tribunals in every district to try accident compensation cases.