M M Jasim :
Corrupt law enforcers are allegedly extorting transport workers on the highways as they stop trucks and other vehicles at various points on the pretence of checking documents, but in fact they demand payment of toll.
The transport workers alleged that they are helpless under such circumstances as there is no one who would listen to their allegations on the road. So, they end up the matter giving money to the extortionists.
Protesting the recent harassment and extortion by police and increase in toll for bridges on the highways, the transport workers in Sylhet on Tuesday called for an indefinite transport strike in the district.
Long distance buses, trucks, tankers and covered vans have gone off the roads in Sylhet in support of the strike from 6:00am.
Sylhet district Transport Workers’ Union, Truck and Covered Van Workers’ Union and Tank-lorry Workers’ Union have jointly called for the strike.
However, the transport workers have called off their strike on Sunday afternoon following an assurance from the Deputy Inspector General of Highway Police that no extortion would tolerated.
Workers’ Union President Selim Ahmed said workers are being harassed regularly by the police. They have to give money at different points of the highways, he said.
The workers’ union leader also said that a memorandum has been sent to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and different other administrative officials.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Highway Police Mallick Faqrul Islam told The New Nation yesterday that, “We take stern action if we find any allegation against any police member. We did it in the past and will continue in the future.”
“The leaders of Sylhet District Transport Workers’ Union, Truck and Covered Van Workers’ Union and Tank-lorry Workers’ Union could not show any proper document of extortion on highways. That is why, they called off the strike,” the DIG said, adding we assured them that no extortion would be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque on Monday said that prompt action would be taken if any attempt of extortion was found on the highways during the month of Ramzan.
“We are sure that incidents like extortion will not take place on the highways during Ramzan. We will take prompt action if any such attempt is found,” Shahidul Haque said while addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka.
“No matter how influential or powerful the extortionists are, they will not be spared,” he said.
Aminul Islam, driver of a Rangpur bound iron rod laden truck from Chittagong said, “During my journey from Chittagong to Gazipur, I had to pay a total of Tk 3,200 to the law enforcers at different points on the highways. Such illegal toll collection by the law enforcers is a regular matter,” he said.
“The law enforcers even beat up truckers for refusal to meet their illegal demand. Earlier, the toll collection by the law enforcers occurred only at night but recently it goes on also in broad daylight,” said Khalilur Rahman, driver of a Kushtia-bound soybean oil laden truck from Dhaka.
Several other truck drivers, including Shahidul Islam, made similar allegations against the cops.
On March 11, transport workers in Rajshahi called for an indefinite transport strike in Rajshahi district demanding the removal of officers in-charge (OCs) of Boalia and Shah Makhdum police stations.
They enforced the strike claiming that the OCs of these police stations in Rajshahi city are involved in extortion and have been harassing them.
Mahtab Ali, General Secretary of Motor Workers’ Union said police have been harassing the transport workers by arresting them and demanding extortion.
“Alamgir Hossain and Mizanur Rahman of Boalia and Shah Makhdum police stations are mostly involved in such malpractices,” Mahtab said.
