Rabiul reiterates earlier claim: Welfare funds by registered transport bodies not extortion

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today reiterated that it's not "extortion" if registered associations for transport owners and workers collect funds for organisational welfare.

Saying there is no scope for exploitation during Eid travel, the minister said, “However, if associations for [transport] owners or workers collect funds for their welfare in a lawful manner, it cannot be called extortion.”

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting on Eid travel arrangements at the Secretariat.

When asked if this practice legitimises extortion, Rabiul clarified that any unregistered association or organisation that arbitrarily collects money from owners or workers will be considered extortion.

“Any illegal or unregistered organisation collecting money from transport owners or workers will face immediate action and punishment,” he warned.

Earlier, on February 19, he had said that funds collected from transport operators through mutual agreement should not be considered extortion. “What is described as extortion on the roads, I don’t see it that way. Owners’ and workers’ associations spend it for their welfare. I would call it extortion only when someone is forced to pay,” he said.

On allegations that AC bus fares are being doubled, the minister said there will be no opportunity to charge extra fares during Eid. “If anyone charges even one taka above the fixed fare, their route permits will be cancelled, and legal action will be taken,” he said.

Regarding road accidents, the minister said pressure arises from a shortage of transport and drivers during Eid.

“We want to ensure the best use of vehicles and drivers. We will also control three-wheelers, low-speed battery-powered vehicles, temporary roadside markets, and illegal parking on highways. Highway police and local administrations will enforce these measures,” he said.

Regarding unfit vehicles, Rabiul said workshops will be monitored to prevent unsafe vehicles from entering highways. Ongoing road and bridge construction projects have been instructed to remove materials and equipment from highways to keep lanes open.

“Road repairs at major entry and exit points of Dhaka will be completed 10 days before Eid to ensure smooth traffic flow,” he added.

Trucks and lorries carrying non-essential goods will face restrictions around Eid. Cargo movement from Chattogram port will be limited in the days leading up to Eid, except for essential and perishable items, to reduce highway congestion.

On garment workers’ travelling home during the holidays, the minister said around 16 percent of factories will start holidays on March 16, with another 22 percent beginning on March 17. Additional buses from the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) will be deployed to ease congestion at garment hubs.

To reduce pressure on waterways, two additional river terminals -- Bosila Ghat and Kanchan Ghat -- have been opened alongside Sadarghat Launch Terminal, allowing passengers to board launches from those locations.