Speakers at a meeting at Bawikhola bazaar on Friday protested against repression on minority families in Tangail. They alleged that minority families of Motora village under Basail Upazila had been forced to pay tolls to influential people. The victims, mostly poor fishermen, have alleged local musclemen -- Habibur Rahman and Nazrul Islam -- and their associates of the area have been continuing repression. Sources said the families, which receive remittances from relations working abroad, are subjected to pay tolls to the influential persons of the localities. They said the families which fail to pay the extortion are often forced to leave villages. Family members of Nitai Rajbonshi, Dhaola Rajbonshi, Ramprasad Rajbonshi, Sudhir Rajbonshi, Khushi Rajbonshi and many others had to leave the village to escape the repression. The meeting was presided over by convener of Muktijhoddha Sangsad of Habla Union command council Samanta Kumer Rajbonshi. Secretary of Tangail district AL Advocate Joaherul Islam spoke as chief guest. Among others president of Jatiya Hindu Mohajote district president Biplob Dutta, secretary Snajib Kumer Dutta, president of Jatiya Hindu Chhatra Mohajote district president Ovijit Shaha spoke on the occasion.