Staff Reporter:
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Thursday that money collected from transport operators on the roads through mutual agreement cannot be called extortion.
“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 when someone is forced to pay,” he said while addressing a press briefing at his Secretariat office.
The minister said there are many organisations that collect money on the basis of a mutual agreement. “Transport owners and workers loyal to the ruling party have dominance in the affair. However, it does not appear as extortion to the ministry because it is done through mutual agreement.”
He said in areas under the purview of the ministry, there is no chance for the outsiders to apply pressure to collect extortion or obtain benefits. “But if owners collect money on the basis of mutual agreement, the ministry will talk to them and check whether anyone is being deprived of or whether there is any misuse of the funds.”
On traffic management, Rabiul noted, “Temporary markets set up along highways in many areas contribute to congestion and must be disciplined.”
Regarding the traffic plan ahead of Eid, he said, “Short holidays put extra pressure on roads. During longer holidays, there are some benefits. We plan to follow the same procedure and are considering additional measures to ease the Eid journey.”
Allegations are rife that a politically influential group controls the transport business nationwide, allegedly extorting owners and labourers and causing fare hikes.
The minister’s remark on the second day after taking office sparked widespread criticism among netizens.
