DHAKA, July 29 (V7N) – The government today initiated a comprehensive campaign to test the eyesight of bus and truck drivers, a crucial road safety measure launched in conjunction with the ongoing spirit of the July Uprising.

According to a statement from the Road Transport and Bridges Division, approximately 1,000 drivers will receive free eyesight check-ups over the three-day campaign. The initiative will cover major inter-city bus terminals at Sayedabad, Mohakhali, and Gabtoli, along with the Tejgaon Truck terminal and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC)’s training institute at Tejgaon.

"A research found 66 percent drivers are suffering from eyesight problems," stated Sheik Moinuddin, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, as he inaugurated the campaign at the BRTC Training Institute. He emphasized that a significant number of major road accidents are attributed to drivers' eyesight issues and a general lack of awareness, which prompted the interim government to organize this focused campaign.

The health and eye test campaign is being organized by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), operating under the Roads and Highways Department.

M. Ehsanul Haque, Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, underscored the long-term need to institutionalize eye examinations as a mandatory part of both issuing and renewing driving licenses.

Other notable figures present at the opening function as special guests included Health Services Division Secretary M. Saidur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of Sammilito Shramik Parishad Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Mollah.

Nileema Akhtar, Executive Director of DTCA, who chaired the opening function, stressed the importance of regular health and eyesight check-ups for all drivers, acknowledging the significant stress their profession places on their bodies, minds, and eyes. She cited a 2023 survey conducted by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and Dhaka Ahsania Mission, which revealed that 63 percent of drivers suffer from general health problems, with a staggering 67 percent specifically reporting eye problems.

Drivers diagnosed with vision impairment during the campaign will be provided with free glasses, supported by VisionSpring, a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable eyewear to low-income populations. The program's comprehensive health check-up includes general health parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar level, oxygen level, height, and weight measurements, in addition to various ophthalmological tests.

A wide array of government and private health facilities, voluntary organizations, and business groups are collaborating on this initiative. Participating health facilities include the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Drishti Unnayan Sangstha (DAS), Al-Noor Eye Hospital, Vision Spring, BIRDEM Hospital, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, National Heart Foundation Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Medical Student Society (BMSS).

Support is also being extended by various voluntary and business groups, such as Rotary Club Abhanikunj Dhaka, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS), Nirapad Sarak Andolon, Life Cycle BD, Ifad Group, Nitol Tata Group, Runner Group, Ranks Petroleum Limited, ADN Technologies, and Shell.

Logistical and operational support, including providing campaign spaces, is being offered by BRTC, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association (BSPMS), Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association (DSPMS), Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van Owners Association, and Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation. This multi-sectoral collaboration highlights a concerted effort to enhance road safety in Bangladesh.

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