Truck drivers face long hours, low wages, poor health, dangers on the road, and extreme mental strain to keep the economy functioning, yet their hardships often go unrecognized.
Trucks become drivers’ homes, where they rest. Photo: Noor-A-Alam
Abul Kashem, tired from a 16-hour drive delivering goods, reflects on the life of truck drivers. He notes the exhaustion they experience, as their role is crucial to Bangladesh’s economy, ensuring supplies to factories and markets despite their struggles often going unnoticed until an accident occurs.
Harsh Realities of the Road
Truck drivers in Bangladesh face hazardous conditions, with poorly maintained roads and dangerous driving practices contributing to their physical and mental fatigue. A journey meant to take six hours can extend to nearly 14 due to these issues. Night driving is increasingly perilous, with the threat of robbery, and many drivers report being victims of crime during their routes.
Health Toll
The demanding nature of their work leads to significant health problems. Many drivers endure chronic pain and face nutritional deficiencies due to a poor diet reliant on roadside fast food. Their irregular eating habits and limited access to healthcare worsen these issues, leading to serious long-term health complications.
The Truck as a Home
Long-distance truck drivers often feel disconnected from their families. Weeks can pass without seeing loved ones, leading to difficulties in personal relationships. Abdul Karim, a truck driver for nearly 30 years, expresses his sorrow at being recognized as a stranger by his own child, highlighting the emotional toll of their lifestyle.
Inadequate Compensation
Despite their essential role, truck drivers are underpaid. Most receive a payment per trip rather than an hourly wage, often earning barely enough to cover living expenses. They typically rely on truck owners for income and are frequently forced to cover costs through bribes at checkpoints, though recent changes have provided some relief from these practices.
Calls for Change
Labor rights advocates have long demanded improved working conditions, including fair wages and better rest facilities. While there have been calls for reform, little change has occurred. Experts push for regulations that ensure proper driving hours and adequate breaks to improve the safety and well-being of drivers, stressing the need for responsibility from employers in case of accidents.
