Extortion rampant

Extortion from drivers of battery-run easy-bikes and rickshaws has been going on at random in the town and even in the 12 upazilas of the district for the last several months.

The illegal practice is still continuing although Roads and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader forbade it on January 28, 2017 while speaking with the officials of the district administration.

Many drivers were victimised by the toll collectors when they refused to give toll. Dalim Ali, 25, of Rameshwarpur village in Gabtoli upazila is one of them.

Dalim went to Bogra Press Club on Saturday to inform journalists as the toll collectors snatched his battery-run auto-rickshaw, demanding Tk 2,500 for registration, because he did not give them toll.

Drivers of such vehicles said extortionists collect around Tk 3 lakh per day from all kinds of battery-run vehicles in the district.

Battery-run auto-rickshaw and rickshaw drivers of the district said the extortionists have been operating under the banner of Bogra District Charger Rickshaw and Van Owners' Association led by Tufan Sarker, a trader of Choksutrapur area in the town.

Receipts of various organisations that take toll from battery-run rickshaws and auto-rickshaws in Bogra. PHOTO: STAR

A driver of battery-run auto-rickshaw said he has to pay a total of Tk 60 per day to the Bogra District Battery-run Auto-rickshaw Owners' Association, while a battery-run-rickshaw driver has to pay Tk 20 per day.

Rabbi Mia, representative of the district charger rickshaw/van owners' association, said they collect Tk 20 per day from drivers and Tk 1,500 for registration with the association for the welfare of the transport workers.

He could not say what initiative had been taken for the welfare of the drivers.

Deputy Commissioner of Bogra Md Ashraf Uddin said the district administration has informed the police administration regarding the extortion and asked them to take action against the culprits.

Additional Superintendent of Police of Bogra Md Abdul Jalil said action has already been taken against the toll collectors and more actions will be taken if the extortionists continue the illegal activity.