Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has called for stronger institutions, better coordination and greater accountability to accelerate global efforts to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries.

He made the call while co-chairing a multi-stakeholder panel session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, held in recognition of Bangladesh's leadership in improving road safety, according to a message received on Wednesday.

Referring to the Progress Declaration, Rabiul stressed the need for close coordination among transport, health, police, finance, education, environment and local government authorities, supported by clearly defined institutional responsibilities and coherent public policies.

He also highlighted the important role of local governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and young people in advancing road safety, saying their efforts should be backed by strong government leadership and accountability.

The minister urged countries to focus on translating political commitments into effective institutions, coordinated implementation and measurable reductions in road traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Rabiul is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety, being held at the UN Headquarters.

Other members of the delegation include Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury.