EXTORTION of footpath traders is too well known to elaborate. It is reported that every day around Tk 400 millions are extorted from small pavement businesses and the extortionists are influential and close to power that be. The extortion money is collected on a daily basis and concerned people get shares. This is why no one wants to free the footpaths of makeshift shops. It is a vicious circle which encourages criminal activities. The government must stop this menace as things often result in murders and deadly clashes.
Ironically extortionists change with change in state power, but nature of extortion remains the same. Everyday millions of taka are being squeezed from traders and it is an open secret. By remaining quiet, the government is encouraging theses extortionists and it must stop now. This is two-way corruption. On the one hand, traders occupy footpaths illegally and influential people extort money on the other. The government should not waste any more time in reining in both traders and extortionists however much powerful they may be.
Sumon
Badda Dhaka
- Saturday, 18 May 2024 |
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