Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has imposed toll on goods laden trucks for use of 7-kilometre link road from Pathaikandi at BJMB to Gobindhashi since July 1, 2015. The link road also serves as flood control embankment. The move came after 17 years of the construction of the Bangabandhu Jamuna Mulit-purpose Bridge. But the imposition of toll has immediately drawn protest from the users. Sources said BBA constructed the road- cum-embankment titled ‘contract-7’ in 1997 and opened for vehicular traffic the next year. About 350 to 400 sand loaded trucks ply on the road every day.
Besides, about 300 to 400 trucks loaded with cattle ply on the road twice a week to the largest Gobindashi cattle market. The BBA has leased out the toll collection to one Hazif Uddin Talukder for Tk 1.26 crores for one year. BBA has fixed the toll at Tk 150 for large size truck, Tk 100 for medium size truck and Tk 40 for mini truck.
Truck driver Abdur Razzaque and Abdul Hye said they have been driving trucks on the road for the last 17 years without paying any toll.  Toll collection from trucks is illogical, they said and demanded its immediate stop.  Chairman of Gobindashi Union Parishad and AL leader Md Aminul Islam said the tax imposed on the truckers has tarnished the image of the government.
He demanded withdrawal of the toll as early as possible. Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Bhuapur Md Helaluzaman Sarker said local people have appealed to the BBA to stop toll collection on the embankment. But, BBA has not accepted the demand.  
Engineer working in BJMB cite office Abul Kalam Azad said as per decision tolls are being collected from trucks only. Buses, micro-bus, private car, CNG auto-rickshaw, motorcycle are exempted of the toll, he added.