Export-bound trucks being extorted in Benapole

BENAPOLE, Aug 24: Transport workers are extorting money from the export-bound trucks in Benapole port in defiance of the government directive.

They are collecting toll from the trucks in the name of several organisations including Jhikargachha Truck Motor Workers Union, it is alleged.

The truck owners' associations of Jhikargachha, Sharsha and Benapole ports have lodged complaints finding it impossible to curb extortion.

Jashore district (Jhikargachha, Sharsha and Benapole port) Truck and Tanker (excluding flammable carriers) Tractor and Covered van Owners Association General Secretary Musa Mahmud in the complaint said the government earns revenue amounting to Tk5,500 crore annually from the largest land port in Benapole.

Some so-called transport workers at the Benapole checkpost are openly extorting Tk150 from every truck carrying export goods from Bangladesh to India, he alleged.

They (the transport workers) are continuing the offence despite sincere efforts by the Bangladesh government and some local organisations as well to combat extortion, he said.

Collection of toll money from the freight trucks at the Benapole checkpost has pushed the government, which had already issued a directive against it, into challenges.

The truck owners' associations have threatened to stop import-export trade through Benapole port at any time if extortion is not stopped.

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