Reports: Highway extortion increases across Bangladesh, posing a threat to the economy

Extortion on highways across Bangladesh has reportedly risen in recent months, posing significant threats to commuters, transport workers, and businesses reliant on road transport.

Despite government efforts, this illegal practice continues unchecked, raising serious concerns about public safety and the country’s economic stability.

Reports suggest that organized groups, with alleged ties to influential local figures, are running extortion rackets at various points along national and regional highways. These groups primarily target trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles, pressuring drivers to pay. Those who refuse face harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault.

This surge in extortion is severely affecting transport workers and businesses, driving up the cost of goods and services due to additional financial burdens on logistics operations.

TIB Study Exposes Widespread Corruption
A study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), published on 5 March 2024, revealed that private buses and minibuses are forced to pay nearly Tk1,059.37 crore annually in extortion.

The study implicates political affiliates, highway police, city corporations, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and municipal officials in collecting these illicit payments.

It further highlights that BRTA officials and employees take the lion's share of the bribes, exceeding Tk900 crore, for vehicle registration, certification, and renewal processes.

Despite law enforcement’s claims of taking action, little progress has been made in curbing the practice, leaving commuters and transport workers vulnerable.

Protests Against Extortion Intensify
Frustration among transport workers has sparked several protests nationwide. On 7 January, auto-rickshaw drivers in Sherpur upazila, Bogura, blocked the Dhaka-Bogura highway, causing a three-kilometer-long traffic jam. The protestors demanded an end to extortion and called for government intervention.

Similarly, on 2 February, members of the Light Vehicle Drivers' Owners' Association formed a human chain on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Cumilla’s Eliotganj. They protested against extortion, car theft, and highway robberies, leading to discussions with highway police. The protest ended after officials assured that their concerns would be addressed.

Industry Leaders Express Concerns
Tofajjol Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Truck-Covered Van Owners' Association, voiced concerns about the resurgence of highway extortion, noting a significant decline in such activities after the political change on 5 August of the previous year. However, he claimed that extortion has intensified recently.

“Before 5 August last year, extortion was mainly carried out by the Awami League and its affiliates. Now, reports suggest that the BNP and its affiliated groups are involved,” he alleged.

He pointed out that extortion hotspots include Karwanbazar, Gabtoli, Aminbazar, Chankharpul, Kanchpur Bridge in Narayanganj, and Haziganj in Chandpur, which disrupt daily transport operations.

Ashis Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways (NCPSRR), echoed these concerns. Despite a change in government, he warned that highway extortion continues unchecked. He predicted that transport costs will rise due to extortion, leading to higher passenger fares and goods prices, ultimately burdening the general public.

He called for urgent reforms, including a strict government stance, police reforms, and the professional development of transport owners and labor leaders, free from political influence.

Experts Call for Immediate Reforms
Dr. Kazi Saifun Newaz, Associate Professor at the Accident Research Institute of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), emphasized the role of powerful individuals in highway extortion. He noted that even when complaints are made, police struggle to take action due to political influence.

Dr. Newaz urged for police reforms, advocating that promotions and postings should be based on merit, and called for undercover investigations and hidden cameras to expose corrupt practices.

Highway Police Deny Allegations
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Bangladesh Highway Police (Operations), Shafiqul Islam, dismissed claims of widespread police involvement in extortion.

“I personally visited two locations—one in Cumilla and another at Mawna Chowrasta in Gazipur—where protests were held. While transport workers accused the police of extortion, many complaints came from drivers of auto-rickshaws and smaller vehicles, which are prohibited on highways,” he said.

He argued that allegations against the police stemmed from enforcement actions against unauthorized vehicles. “Although silent extortion exists, it is difficult to control. However, we are taking action against any complaints brought to our attention,” he added.