Govt mulls carrying goods by rail to combat extortion

The government plans to transport different commodities by rail with a view to curbing extortion across the country, officials concerned said.
It is also considering taking the initiative for smooth supply of essential items well ahead of the month of Ramadan, they added.
"We are considering transporting different goods and essential items by trains instead of trucks. The move would be taken mainly to stop extortion on highways in different parts of the country," a senior official of the commerce ministry said.
The incidents of extortion by various quarters, including some law enforcers have risen on the highways alarmingly.
Earlier, the country's highest court had to intervene in the incidents of extortion on the highways. Under the initiative, essential items including all kinds of products now being carried by trucks are likely to be transported by rail.
Extortion from trucks carrying goods from various districts to the capital city or other cities allegedly by influential quarters at different points on the highways is also creating traffic gridlock. Besides, it is causing untold sufferings to homebound passengers on the highways, sources concerned said.
A section of law enforcers allegedly force to pay extortion if the truck drivers or traders refuse to give them money, they claimed, adding that some policemen often seize licences and other documents or file cases against them on false charges.
They alleged that the drivers were forced to give them money to get back the documents. Some dishonest traffic police target vehicles without route permit and other necessary documents for bribery, they claimed.
Extortion alone largely shares the blame for the rising prices of essential goods in recent years, they mentioned.
"Different goods-laden trucks are facing delay in entering the capital city or other cities due to traffic congestion on some highways. "So, we are thinking to transport goods by rail," Secretary (In-charge) of the commerce ministry Shubhashish Bose told the FE.
The cost of transportation will decrease if the plan is implemented. Besides, goods to be transported by rail will be cheaper. It will also reduce transportation time, he said.
He, however, said if the Ministry of Railways provides freight trains, it will be possible to implement the plan. But they will have to hold an inter-ministerial meeting in this regard, he added.
"We have proposed the government take necessary steps to stop extortion through deputy commissioners (DCs)," Joint Secretary of Shyambazar Krishi Panya Arat Bonik Samity AKM Kamruzzam Patwary told the FE on Saturday. “Prices of goods will also come down.”
"There is no alternative but to transport various goods by trucks. It is not possible to transport all types of goods by trains. Trucks are necessary for carrying products to railway stations," Joint Secretary of City Corporation Arat Bhaban Malik Samity Md Delwar Hossain told the FE.
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