The Daily Star
Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, today said that money collected from transport operators on the roads through mutual agreement cannot be called extortion, but if someone is forced to pay, it qualifies as extortion.
He made the remark while responding to questions from journalists at a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat.
“What is described as extortion on the road in the transport sector, I do not see it as extortion in that way. There are owners’ associations and workers’ associations, and they spend it for their welfare. It is like an unwritten rule. I would call it extortion when someone does not want to pay or is forced to pay,” the minister said.
Rabiul explained that owners’ associations often collect money at fixed rates to support the welfare of vehicle owners. “There may be debate over how much of it is actually used. But they do it based on mutual understanding,” he said.
He added that several organisations, including the Workers’ Welfare Federation, also collect funds based on mutual agreement, sometimes influenced by powerful owners or political groups.
“The workers’ organisation of the party in power usually has dominance. But we cannot view those as extortion because they are doing it on the basis of mutual understanding,” he said.
The minister noted that in areas under the ministry, outside parties have no scope to pressure anyone or extract undue benefits. “But if the owners do it on the basis of mutual understanding, then we will speak to them to see whether anyone is being deprived and whether there is any misuse of the funds,” he added.
On traffic congestion, he pointed out that markets have been set up on highways, causing delays.
Regarding travel during Eid, the minister said, “If the holidays are shorter, it becomes a bit difficult to handle the pressure. Last time the holidays were longer, and that was beneficial. This time we have decided to follow that process. At the same time, we will determine what new measures can be taken to reduce suffering.”
“I hope we will be able to send you home safely. However, the duration of the holidays is very important here. We will be able to say in detail in another five to ten days whether anything can be done in that regard,” he added.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/money-collected-through-mutual-agreement-not-extortion-transport-minister-4110031?fbclid=IwdGRzaAQEsI1jbGNrBASwaGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHiy_VRhRaabRHLO7KQYRq_MSt1XDDeag3RsgI82djBTpFmFbNKT1gnSroJ6U_aem_l3F6HG7hi742g9q4Bql8uQ&sfnsn=mo
