Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Sheik Moinuddin spoke at the opening of the campaign at BRTC Training Institute of Tejgaon. Photo: PID

DHAKA, July 29, 2025 (BSS) – The government today launched a campaign to test eyesight of bus and truck drivers as part of road safety measures coinciding with July Uprising, an official statement said here.

According to the Road Transport and Bridges Division statement some 1,000 drivers will get their eyesight checked free of cost during the three-day campaign at inter-city bus terminals of Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtoli, Tejgaon Truck terminal, and BRTC’s training institute at Tejgaon.

“A research found 66 percent drivers are suffering from eyesight problems,” Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Sheik Moinuddin said opening the campaign at BRTC Training Institute of Tejgaon.

He said major road accidents occurred due to drivers’ eyesight problems and lack of awareness, a situation that prompted the interim government to stage the three-day campaign.

Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) under the Roads and Highways Department organized the health and eye test campaign.

Senior Secretary of Road Transport and Highways division M Ehsanul Haque stressed on the need to institutionalize eye examination in the process of issuing and renewing licenses.

Health Services Division secretary M Saidur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of Sammilito Shramik Parishad Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and BRTC chairman Abdul Latif Mollah, joined the function as special guests.

DTCA executive director Nileema Akhtar chaired the opening function saying it was important for every driver to get their health and eyesight checked regularly since their job expose them to a lot of stress on their body, mind and eye.

She said a 2023 survey conducted by BRTA and Ahsania Mission found 63 percent of drivers to be suffering from health problems and 67 percent from eye problems alone.

“Those whose eye power problems are diagnosed will be provided free glasses with Vision Spring suports.

This programme will include general health check-up including blood pressure, blood sugar level, oxygen level, height and weight measurements and different types of ophthalmological tests.

Various government and private health facilities extended their hands for the initiative and they include 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, Bangladesh Medical Student Society (BMSS).

Several other voluntary and business groups like 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 are also patronizing the programme.

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 are providing space and overall support.