The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Retailers of perishable commodities yesterday brought out a procession protesting extortion of wholesale markets in Dhaka city in the name of 'tola'.

Dhaka Fish & Kanchabazar Small Traders Association brought out the procession. Police intercepted the procession at the west gate of the secretariat where it held a rally.

The association leaders urged the government to stop illegal toll collection by the wholesalers in Dhaka city's wholesale markets.

They said it was earlier decided in a joint meeting of retailers, wholesalers, police, RAB and City Corporation officials that the wholesalers (Aratdars) would not collect any toll in the name of "tola".

According to the decision, the wholesalers are supposed to give receipt against payment by small traders. But the wholesalers are not abiding by the decision. They are harassing the small traders, alleged the association leaders.

They urged the government and City Corporation to take immediate measures against the illegal toll collectors.