Money collected through negotiation is not extortion: Road Transport and Communications Minister

If money is collected from the transport sector on the basis of compromise, it is not extortion, but if someone is forced to pay money, it will be considered extortion, said Road Transport and Communications Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

He made this comment in response to questions from journalists at a news briefing at his office at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon.

The minister said that the money that transport owners and workers' associations collect at a fixed rate is mainly taken to spend for their welfare and it is like an unwritten rule. There may be a debate on the use of this money, but he claimed that it is based on mutual agreement.

He also said that various labor organizations and federations also collect money on the basis of compromise. The influence of the ruling party's labor organizations is greater—this is also a reality; however, he said that there is no opportunity to collect money by force in the establishments under his Ministry. The minister also said that the government will look into whether any of the owners are being deprived or whether the money collected is being misused.

Regarding traffic congestion on the roads, Sheikh Rabiul Alam said that traffic congestion is increasing due to markets being set up at various places on the highway. Initiatives will be taken to bring these under control.

Stating that holiday management is important to reduce the suffering of people heading home for the upcoming Eid, he said that there is a plan to follow the trend of long holidays like last time. In addition, work is underway to find out what new measures will be taken to make the journey more comfortable. He expressed hope that details will be announced in this regard in another five to ten days.