Beyond the wheels: The triumphs and challenges of Dhaka's CNG drivers

Making a living in Dhaka is not for the faint of heart, no matter where you come from. Every single day is rife with challenges and struggles. 

What helps to have a respite from this claustrophobia is appreciating the blessings that make life easier for us. This means empathising with those with lesser privileges, learning about their stories, and being kind and compassionate to them.

Now, the media is quick to share such stories of people struggling with poverty, unemployment, underemployment, legal troubles, and debt issues. However, there are hardly any reports regarding the ones who play an instrumental role in how the burgeoning Bangladeshi middle-class lead their lives:

CNG drivers.

The physical and mental labour behind the ubiquitous three-wheelers throngs every nook and cranny of Bangladesh. The labour toils under the sweltering heat of Dhaka city and traverses the headache of the traffic jam here just to provide a respite for those who need a quick and safe but affordable ride.

Curious about the stories of these apparent wallflowers, this writer has reached out to three CNG drivers who serve city passengers through khep/Obhai app. 

These three CNG drivers – Obayet Howlader, Shohel Mia, and Md Sobhan – hail from different parts of the country and have different origin stories. 

What unifies them and the rest of the CNG drivers is their grit and their struggles, which only they know about and relate to one another, at least until now.

A day in the life

Their day starts by waking up early, refreshing, and reaching the CNG garage by 8 am. Going out with the CNG, they switch on the Obhai app to find nearby rides. Which area they go to varies. 

Shohel Mia travels to areas where the potential to earn is higher, like Gulshan, Badda, Bashundhara, and Banasree. Sobhan will keep exploring the roads till he finds a relevant ride. Usually, they have to wait long periods before they can find customers.

On the days they get lucky, they'll earn approximately Tk 2200 each. On off-peak days, they'll make around Tk 1500-1600 each.

Daily challenges 

First, there is the issue of soaring inflation. "The meagre daily income collectively comes to Tk 40k at the end of the month. But, even then, we cannot consume our necessities." 

"For instance, a broiler chicken that used to cost Tk 140 now costs Tk 240. It has become a luxury for us. We do not have any savings after paying the room rent, utilities, and food expenses. We can barely afford the education expenses of our kids. We're just surviving on square meals and somehow making ends meet day-to-day," bemoans the trio. 

The biggest hurdle for CNG drivers is dealing with the owners of the CNGs they rent. Six months ago, drivers could take a single trip for an entire day with the CNGs they drive. They would have to pay Tk 900 per day out of their earned wages to the CNG owners. 

Now, the owners force them to drive the CNGs only for half a day and demand Tk 1200 from the drivers. If they rent their CNGs for double trips, they charge each of the two drivers Tk 700, making a profit of Tk 1400 per CNG rented daily. 

The pressure of double trips and increased rent to the CNG owners means the drivers are now under greater mental strain to earn more money in a shorter period. This problem becomes more acute for another reason. The drivers cannot pass on the increase in CNG rent to their customers, who can opt for cheaper alternatives like bike rides. 

Digital app's value-addition to CNG drivers

On top of the rising cost burden, there are instances when drivers have to wait long periods without finding any passengers. 

In steps Obhai. Its digital technology helps these CNG drivers find customers faster. Finding rides using the Obhai app does not mean the CNG drivers are restricted to working for just Obhai. 

Alongside the usual khep rides, operating under Obhai provides them with an additional income source. Of course, to use the technology, they have to learn how to use Google Maps and bKash, and need a smartphone - all provided by Obhai itself. 

Hopes and dreams

None of the men interviewed ever considered pursuing this occupation when they were younger.

"I used to work as a garment supervisor 12 years ago, but the salary wasn't enough to cover my family expenses. So, I had to look for an alternative income source," says Obayet. 

"I had a business but had to sell off my shop to pay off the loan of my elder brother. I wanted to become a barrister," sighs Shohel. 

"I wanted to be a BCS cadre but didn't qualify. I could not complete my studies as my family couldn't afford to send me to school any longer. But, I am lucky to have friends in high positions in the public sector," pines Md Sobhan. 

While these fathers couldn't pursue their ambitions, their dream is to ensure their kids do not have to do the same.

Thoughts

At the end of the interview, the CNG drivers were thankful to have their story shared with someone different from their circle. 

Reflecting, all three had this to say, "Everything comes from God, and we are satisfied with what we have. As strenuous as our lives are, it'd be easier if the police didn't trouble us so much. Our regular customers know this and have helped us. We appreciate their kindness, respect, and cooperation."

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