Veteran actor Ilias Kanchan, who has campaigned for safer roads for more than three decades, has urged people to continue raising their voices for the cause even in his absence.

He made the call at a grand rally organised by Nirapad Sarak Chai (We Demand Safe Roads) at the National Theatre Hall in Dhaka on Friday.

Kanchan, the organisation's founder, said: "Thirty-one years ago, I turned the deep grief and pain of my personal loss into the strength of the safe roads movement.

"Over this long journey, the movement has grown beyond any individual or organisation. It has become a movement of people across the country."

The film actor launched the campaign for safer roads after losing his wife, Jahanara Kanchan, in a road crash on Oct 22, 1993. The day is now observed as National Road Safety Day in Bangladesh.

Speaking about his health, the chairman of Nirapad Sarak Chai said: "I pray that Allah grants me good health and the strength to join the movement alongside all of you once again. I wish safety, peace and prosperity for the people of this country.

"I also urge the government, the administration, transport owners and workers, as well as every conscious citizen, to become part of this movement."

Addressing the nation, he said: "We are not opponents of each other. We are all partners in the effort to save human lives.

"I leave my dream with you. Even if I am no longer here, you must continue to play your part in making safe roads a reality."

Speaking at the event, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said: "This is not anyone's personal demand or movement; it is a movement for people's rights. As the current government, however, our goal is to build a state where people will not have to take to the streets to demand their fundamental rights.”

"We want to build a united Bangladesh, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity. We want an inclusive society where everyone enjoys their rights."

Addressing members of Nirapad Sarak Chai, he said: "Those of you who are here campaigning are certainly not working only for yourselves, but to protect the lives of others. This is an extremely important social movement.”

"Our government has begun its work from the most marginalised villages across the country. Plans are being made in different sectors, and we hope the state itself will ensure all the constitutional rights of its citizens."

State Minister for Road Transport and Communications Habibur Rashid Habib was among those present at the programme.