Consensual roadside collections not extortion: Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that money collected from transport operators "on a consensual basis" should not be considered extortion, reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking to reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Thursday, he clarified: "What is called extortion in road transport, I do not see it that way. Owners' associations and workers' federations sometimes collect funds for their welfare. It is like an unwritten rule, and they spend it for their benefit with consent."
He stressed that extortion occurs only when payments are forced.
"Extortion is when someone does not want to pay or is compelled to do so. That is extortion. There is no scope for such extortion," he said.
Drawing comparisons, the minister noted that owners' associations often collect fixed amounts from each trip, claiming to use it for welfare purposes, though disputes remain over how the funds are spent.
He acknowledged that influence from political parties and labour organisations can affect such practices, but insisted they were not extortion if done with agreement.
"If anyone attempts extortion, there is no scope for it," he reiterated.
FE Report adds: Rabiul Alam also pledged to restore discipline in the country's three major transport sectors and free them from political influence, including that of the ruling party.
"We have to keep in mind that party interest becomes insignificant where public interest exists. There is no scope for ruling party's priority," said Alam, who is also in charge of the ministries for railways and shipping.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the road transport minister said that in the past the ruling party's dominance, particularly in workers' associations, had been common in these sectors, but such practices would no longer be allowed as the new government is committed to ensuring corruption-free and accountable public bodies in line with its electoral mandate.
Discussing sectoral plans, he addressed metro rail operations, traffic congestion, mega projects and highway traffic management during Eid holidays, saying the government was likely to follow a similar plan to last year by allowing extended holidays to ensure a hazard-free Eid journey.
He also said the current government wants to give priority to railway development, including achieving self-sufficiency of Bangladesh Railway in manufacturing locomotives and coaches.
Authorities have already started reviewing shortcomings, opportunities and challenges to make the rail service more people-friendly, he added.