Govt to take stern action to stop extortion in transport sector

The government will take stern action to prevent acts of violence and extortion in the country's transport sector and at terminals during the holy Ramadan, as thugs usually go for toll business ahead of Eid festivals, reports UNB. brDeciding for some tough steps to stem the tide of other troubles, the government asked the law-enforcers to take legal action against those responsible for the incidents like 'road blockade, vandalism and sabotage'.brThe caretaker government's advisory committee on Law and Order took the decisions in a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs Wednesday with its Adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin in the chair.brBefore deciding to go for the action, the meeting reviewed the recent issues of attacks on the ready-made garment factories and road blockades by the garment workers in Dhaka, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar and other places.brThe committee stressed discussion between the workers and owners to resolve any problem related to their wages and arrears, Iftar allowance and bonus.brBesides, it also emphasised tripartite meeting to avert any untoward incident in the export-oriented apparel industry.brWhile reviewing the country's overall law-and-order situation, it was informed that the number of cases on one or two issues increased last month compared to the previous month indeed but the number of cases for looting and raping took a downturn.brSome other decisions were also taken on various issues, including eviction, election of different cooperative associations and upholding the decision on deposition of firearms of banned bores by November 30.brAlso present at the meeting were Adviser for LGRD and Cooperatives M Anwarul Iqbal and secretaries of Home, Education, Housing and Public Works ministries, IGP, RAB Director General and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commi-ssioner.