The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Transport sector leaders and workers Friday threatened the caretaker government to paralyse the sector through tougher protests if the administration fails to stop extortion and provide security.

They also demanded action against the people who gunned down Parvez, a counterman of Shohag Paribahan at Gabtoli bus terminal, on Sept 11.

They set October 13 deadline for the government to take measures against the extortionists and the killers of Parvez.

They said a group, named Shahadat group, is controlling the whole thing from behind the scene.

Their concerns came at a press conference jointly organised by Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation (BSPSF) and Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association (BBTOA) at the Jatiya Press Club.

BSPSF executive president Shahjahan Khan said extortion in the transport sector has become a big national problem.

"I hope the government will take immediate action against the culprits to protect the sector and the transport owners. Otherwise, we will have no option but to shut down our businesses," he said.

Shahjahan, also a former MP from Awami League, said the owners regularly need to pay tolls to extortionists while traffic police and highway police also take their share in the name of filing cases.

"We hope the government will punish the extortionists and the killers of Parvez. If the government fails to do so by Oct 13, we will go for tougher movement," he said.

Sohel Talukder, owner of Shohag Paribahan, said the Shahadat group has been demanding Tk 1 crore in toll from him over phone.

He said the group also threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the amount.

"After killing Parvez, they now threaten to kill me and my other family members one by one," he said.

He said after examining all the phone numbers the law enforcing agencies informed him that the calls came from Shahadat and his people.

Shafiqul Islam, owner of Nabil Paribahan, said the same group asked him to give Tk 50 lakh to 'Kochi Dada (Shahdat)' over phone on September 13.

As he switched off the mobile phone, they made call to one of its ticket counters demanding toll.

"We feel insecure and want security for our life to the government," he said.

Mentioning some extortion incidents, BBTOA chairman GM Siraj said that the whole transport sector has become hostage to the Shahadat group.

He said earlier the gang used to collect toll from the readymade garment sector regularly and later shifted their toll collection activities to the transport sector.

Replying to a query, Siraj said they did not raise fare ahead of eid.

About ticket sales at black market, Siraj however admitted that it was happening at some points.

"Our mobile teams are monitoring the situation very closely to catch the culprits," he said.

The transport leaders also announced a series of protest plans to press home their demands.

The bus owners, drivers and employees at Gabtoli terminal will wear black badges on September 20 while they have planned a national convention in the city on Sept 21 and suspension of vehicular movement from 3-5pm on Sept 22.