The Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Shaikh Rabiul Alam, stated that money collected from transport operators through mutual agreements should not be labeled as extortion. During a press briefing at his office, he addressed journalists by explaining his perspective on the issue. According to him, the funds collected by owners’ and workers’ associations are utilized for their welfare and are part of an established practice rather than coercion. He emphasized that true extortion occurs when payments are forced or refused.
The minister elaborated that owners’ associations collect funds at fixed rates to support vehicle owners’ welfare, acknowledging that there may be debates about the transparency of fund utilization. He highlighted that various organizations, such as the Workers’ Welfare Federation, also engage in fund collection through mutual agreements, sometimes influenced by powerful entities.
Responding to the minister’s remarks, Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh, criticized the interpretation of extortion, stating that it contradicts anti-corruption commitments made by the government. He pointed out that justifying such practices shifts the burden of corruption onto the public.
Professor Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (Sanem), raised concerns about the minister’s statement, emphasizing that payments in the sector are often a result of structural pressures and organizational dominance rather than voluntary contributions. He highlighted the lack of transparency in fund usage, indicating a reflection of political influence and power dynamics.
Prof. Raihan warned that when informal payments become mandatory for operating in a sector, it signifies a systemic institutional failure rather than negotiation. This situation leads to increased transport costs, impacting goods and passengers and undermining economic efficiency. Accepting informal collections weakens accountability and the rule of law, posing long-term challenges.