Sunamganj importers, traders stop transporting coal, lime stones

SYLHET, Sept 11: About 700 importers of 3 LC stations of Sunamganj border stopped selling and transporting coal and lime stones from the stations through river routes protesting illegal toll collection by various stations.
They lodged written complaints with the deputy commissioner and the police yesterday. The importers and traders send the imported coal and lime stones to various destinations from Barchhara, Bagli and charagaon LC stations. They alleged that some people in name of tolls for Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and land office, the collectors realise extra money from the traders and importers. The issue was raised time and again with the local authority including the government officials, they alleged, but to no effect. Meanwhile, the number of users came down to avert harassment and extra toll.
Some people from Brahmanbaria and other destinations engaged in handling the goods transportation alleged that the groups harass or torture the traders and the staff for refusing payment of extra tolls. Normally, they realise extra money from the coal and limestone carrying bulk heads (steelbody vehicles) at Damperbazar, Mandihata and Sripur points in the Patlai river. Often they realise Taka 1000 to 3000 instead of Taka 500 from each of the vessels or boats.
Tahirpur Coal Importers' Group president Alkas Uddin said, "We are in great trouble. The labourers are often tortured for not paying the extra toll. The toll collectors even threatened with serious consequences. In such a situation, the number of buyers came down in recent time. If the situation continues this way, we may have to stop using these LC stations. This is why we have called an indefinite strike. We gave a written complaint to the DC, SP and other officials demanding immediate actions."

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