Health Hazards of Public Transport and Ride-Sharing Drivers in Dhaka City



Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a city of movement. Every day, millions of people depend on buses, rickshaws, CNG auto-rickshaws, and ride-sharing services to get to work, school, and beyond. At the heart of this movement are the drivers—the invisible engines of urban mobility. Yet, behind the honking horns and endless traffic jams lies a silent crisis: the deteriorating health of Dhaka’s transport workers.

Dhaka is currently ranked as the second most polluted city in the world. Air filled with toxic particles, smog from vehicles, and industrial emissions make every breath a health risk. For drivers, who spend more than 12 hours daily on the road, this exposure is far greater than for the average citizen.




Long-term inhalation of polluted air has been linked to chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. Add the stress of navigating Dhaka’s chaotic traffic, and the burden on their health multiplies.

According to the Bangladesh Labour Law, drivers should not work more than 5 hours continuously and not more than 8 hours per day. But in reality, public transport and ride-sharing drivers often work 12 to 16 hours daily to meet their financial needs.

This excessive workload leads to:

  • Chronic fatigue and sleep disorders

  • Musculoskeletal pain from prolonged sitting and poor posture

  • Increased risk of accidents due to drowsy driving

  • Mental stress and anxiety from constant pressure to earn and survive

Occupational Health Risks Beyond Pollution

The Human Cost
Protecting drivers means protecting the millions who rely on them. Some immediate steps include:

Beyond air pollution and long hours, Dhaka’s drivers face additional hazards:

  • Noise pollution – constant honking and engine noise contribute to hearing problems, headaches, and stress.

  • Poor nutrition – irregular meal times and cheap, unhygienic roadside food increase the risk of gastritis, ulcers, and metabolic diseases.

  • Lack of medical care – many drivers have no access to regular health check-ups or occupational health services.

  • Traffic stress – congested roads and aggressive competition for passenger's fuel frustration, irritability, and even aggression.



Every exhausted driver behind the wheel represents a broader public safety risk. Fatigued and unhealthy drivers are more likely to cause accidents, endangering passengers, pedestrians, and themselves. Thus, the health hazards of drivers are not just a personal tragedy—they are a social issue that demands urgent attention.

  • Enforcing labour laws to limit driving hours and ensure proper rest periods.

  • Air quality interventions such as stricter emissions control and greener transport initiatives.

  • Occupational health programs that provide drivers with access to medical check-ups, health insurance, and awareness sessions.

  • Safe resting spaces in the city where drivers can pause, eat, and recover.

  • Public recognition of drivers’ contributions to the city’s survival, shifting the narrative from exploitation to appreciation.

Dhaka’s transport system cannot function without its drivers, yet their health is often treated as expendable. As citizens, policymakers, and commuters, we must recognize that the sustainability of our city depends not only on roads and vehicles but also on the well-being of those who drive them.

Healthy drivers mean safer roads, stronger communities, and a city that truly moves forward.

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