Road Transport and Communications Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said that money collected from transport operators “on a consensual basis” should not be considered extortion. Speaking to reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Thursday, he clarified: “What is called extortion in road transport, I do not see it that way. Owners’ associations and workers’ federations sometimes collect funds for their welfare. Drawing comparisons, the minister noted that owners’ associations often collect fixed amounts from each trip, claiming to use it for welfare purposes, though disputes remain over how the funds are spent. “If anyone attempts extortion, there is no scope for it,” he reiterated.

Source: bd News24 February 19, 2026 17:30 UTC