Minister assures business leaders to curb extortion
Business leaders complained of continued extortion to home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Md Asaduzzaman Miah, at a programme in the city yesterday.
The minister and the police commissioner admitted to the allegations of extortion, but claimed that they were trying to curb it.
The charge came at a view exchange meeting titled The role of businessmen and law enforcers in controlling price hike during Ramadan, organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
While taking part in an open discussion, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBBCI) director, Abu Mota, charged that price hike of essential products was due to the different types of taxes imposed on businessmen by finance minister AMA Muhith. Owing to the proposed Budget, the prices of different essential goods would increase. The finance minister would be responsible for the price hike, and not the businessmen, Mota said.
This complaint was echoed by some other business leaders as well.
On his part, the home minister admitted to extortion, especially in the transport sector. We cannot claim that there is no extortion, but its now at a very low level. As the Prime Minister has taken a zero-tolerance policy against extortion, we are working to bring it down further. Our intelligence agencies are working to identify the extortionists, he said.
Admitting to the allegation of extortion against law enforcers, the police commissioner said, We cant deny the charge. But, whenever we get any complain of extortion, we take stern action against the extortionists.
