Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called upon the prime minister to tackle internal issues within his party to combat the spread of corruption effectively. The organization expressed strong disapproval and condemned the road transport and bridges minister’s characterization of road extortion as a “transaction based on mutual understanding,” labeling it an effort to legitimize a serious criminal offense.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of TIB, highlighted concerns about the broader implications of accepting road extortion under the guise of mutual understanding. He emphasized the potential risks of such practices extending to other sectors like health, education, social protection, law enforcement, and customs if not addressed promptly.
To uphold the government’s anti-corruption commitments, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stressed the importance of the prime minister rejecting the minister’s remarks and ensuring accountability through proper procedures. TIB pointed out that following the fall of authoritarian rule, there has been a shift in control over extortion, partisan dominance, and illegal occupation across the country, indicating a systemic issue beyond individual instances.
The organization recalled a similar attempt to justify road extortion by a previous road transport minister in 2012, which was strongly opposed at the time. Expressing concerns about a potential repetition of past mistakes, TIB criticized the transport minister’s comments for contradicting the government’s declared anti-corruption stance and election manifesto commitments.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman highlighted the negative impact of defending extortion in the transport sector, emphasizing the burden on transport stakeholders and ordinary citizens. He argued that justifying extortion under the guise of owners’ and workers’ welfare is misleading and serves to perpetuate disorder in the sector.
TIB urged the prime minister to prioritize internal reform within his party to restore public trust and prevent destructive practices among party leaders and activists. The organization warned of the erosion of public confidence and the rise of groups contradicting Bangladesh’s foundational values if corrective actions are not taken promptly.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman raised concerns about the minister’s remarks possibly signaling a move towards “nationalizing extortion.” The opposition leader questioned the minister’s stance on extortion in the transport sector, emphasizing the need for clarity on the issue.
During a recent press conference, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam defended the collection of money by owners’ and workers’ associations in the transport sector for welfare purposes, framing it as a practice based on mutual understanding. While acknowledging potential debates over fund usage, the minister maintained that payment would only constitute extortion if done under coercion.
