Money taken on roads 'thru mutual understanding' not extortion: Minister Rabiul

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today (19 February) said money collected from transport operators on the roads under a mutual understanding cannot be termed extortion.

"Regarding what is described as extortion in road transport, I do not see it that way," the minister said, adding that there are owners' associations and workers' associations. They spend these funds on their welfare.

"It [collecting money] operates like an unwritten rule. I would call it extortion only when someone is forced to pay against their will," he said while responding to a question from journalists at a press briefing at the Secretariat.

Rabiul said owners' associations collect money at fixed rates and intend to use it for the welfare of their members. There may be debate about how much of the collected money is actually spent properly. But they carry out the process on the basis of mutual understanding.

He noted that several organisations, including workers' welfare federations, are involved in such practices. Influence often depends on which group or political party holds sway at a given time.

"The workers' wing of the party in power tends to have dominance. However, we do not view this as extortion because it is done on a consensual basis," he said, adding that there is no scope for outsiders to exert pressure or take extortion under the ministry's jurisdiction.

Asked about traffic congestion during the upcoming Eid holidays, he said authorities plan to follow last year's approach, when longer holidays helped ease pressure.

Additional measures will also be considered to reduce public suffering, he added.