Invisible people of BracU: Behind the wheels, beyond the campus

Even before the first student yawns awake, the engines already start humming on the busy roads. They are ready with steady hands and alert eyes, guiding thousands safely to their classes. Yet somehow, their stories often fail to make it into the same book as ours. In this array of BracU’s unseen individuals, the story is dedicated to our diligent bus drivers, who are one of the backbones to keep the university moving. From hectic schedules to unseen efforts, their tale might have been unheard of, but worthy of appreciation. 

Centu Mia, the driver of BracU’s bus no. 2 on the Mirpur-A route, has been in this profession for the past 2 years. Originally from Gopalganj, he now lives in Dhaka with his wife and 3 children. His day begins before sunrise; waking up at 4 am, reaching campus by 5, checking and cleaning the bus, then setting out to pick up the students for their morning classes. His long day continues with multiple trips, quick meals, and brief rests until he returns home around 10 pm. Despite the long and exhausting routine, Centu Mia remains warm and patient. He humbly says, “I might work hard, but the student I am driving to the university works harder.” Through traffic and fatigue, he keeps going steady, kind, and quietly proud of what he does. 

Md. Hamid Rahman, driver of BracU’s bus no.3 Mirpur-B route, begins his day at 5 am, ready for another day, ensuring that students reach their classes safely and on time. What makes his story remarkable is that this is his first-ever experience driving a bus, yet every single day, he shows up with unwavering commitment. He sleeps barely 3 hours a day, but you will never hear him complain about his duties. His greatest source of strength comes from his colleagues, who are always there by his side whenever he requires help.

 
His kindness goes far beyond his duty. During Ramadan, when the roads were swarming with vehicles and students were fasting, he sent the conductor to buy a kilogram of dates and bottles of water so that students could break their fast on time. He recalls, “That day was my greatest joy.” Coming from a large family in Kurigram, he could not complete his education. Yet he carries no bitterness, only wisdom. For him, the students he drives every day are more than just passengers. He knows that if he is ever late, the students will suffer, and that thought alone pushes him to be on time. He advises students, “Value your education. Get your degree. But above everything, be kind.”

Md. Abdul Bari, driver of the BracU staff bus, has been on this job for over 10 years now. He is the father of 3 children and is from Narayanganj. Long before there were any student buses, he used to take them on tours around Bangladesh, sharing countless experiences. He says, “This campus treats us well. We have rooms to rest and a place to play carrom too.” What touches him most is the connection with the students and how many still remember him, stopping to share a smile at times.

As the drivers of BracU buses wrap up another day, they feel pride knowing that they help move the dreams of hundreds forward, one safe ride at a time.