With the Eid-ul-Azha approaching illegal toll collection has become rampant at two ferry terminals at Narsinghapur in Bhedarganj upazila on Shariatpur-Chandpur highway and at Kathalbari on Shariatpur-Dhaka highway. Extortionists are collecting tolls at Sureswar Launch terminal, Chondipur Bus Stand, Damudya Bus Stand, Angaria Bus Stand and at different points along the road from Shariatpur to Chandpur, and on the Shariatpur-Mawa highway, witnesses and victims said.  Sumon Dev, ASP (Gosairhat Circle) of Shariatpur, said a case has been filed against 12 extortionists at Narsinghapur ferry terminal and a toll collector named Hafez Khan, 35, of Narsinghapur village in Bhedarganj upazila has been arrested and taken to custody. He also said they are trying to arrest the other toll collectors.  
When conducted, Md Anowar Hossain Bala, Chairman of local Charsensus Union Parishad, said on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha extortionists and criminals have become active at the ferry terminals. They are collecting tolls amounting to Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000 from each loaded truck.
 Tolls are also allegedly being collected at different points on Shariatpur- Mawa road and at Mongal Majhi ferry terminal. About 3,000 to 4,000 cows and goats are brought from southern districts, including Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj and Barisal everyday by boats, trawlers and trucks to the Mongal Majhi ferry terminal and then sent to Gabtali and other cattle markets in Dhaka. But the supply of cattle has almost been stopped due to the activities of hoodlums, armed musclemen and toll collectors, said Moklesur Rahman, the lessee of Mongal Majhi ferry terminal.
Moreover, tolls are being collected from the Dhaka-bound trucks and trawlers and other vehicles loaded with cattle and goats, it is alleged.
The cattle traders have virtually become hostage at the hands of the extortionists.
Anowar Hossain Baperi, a trawler driver of Angaria Bondar, told this correspondent that some musclemen in the River Kritinasha had been realising Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000 as toll from each boat and trawler carrying cattle for a long time.
Md Vikharuddoulla, ADC (Revenue), Shariatpur said; “We have taken some measures to identify the toll collectors and criminals and take action.”