Bangladesh’s Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has come under widespread scrutiny following his recent remarks regarding the collection of funds on the roads, often referred to as “tolls.” Speaking at a public event, the minister stated, “The money collected on the roads, which is often called toll, I do not consider that as extortion.”
He elaborated that payments collected under the names of owners’ and workers’ associations are typically based on mutual agreement and are used for welfare purposes. “Extortion occurs when someone is forced to pay unwillingly. If money is collected through mutual understanding, it cannot be considered extortion,” he added.
The comments sparked immediate reactions across social media platforms and public discourse, drawing both support and criticism.
One prominent critic is the well-known Islamic preacher, Mufti Gias Uddin Al-Taheri, who publicly called on the minister to withdraw his remarks. On Thursday, 19 February, Al-Taheri posted on his verified Facebook page:
“Tolls are a form of oppression—whether collected by mutual agreement or through coercion. Your statement may encourage extortion. I hope the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges retracts this statement. Let humanity prevail.”
Following the post, the debate intensified online. While some defended the minister’s stance, others raised concerns about the potential implications of normalising such collections. Analysts point out that the distinction between voluntary contributions and coercion is subtle, and without proper clarification, statements like these may create public confusion.
For clarity, the core aspects of the discussion are summarised in the table below:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Minister’s Statement | Payments collected by owners’ and workers’ associations are not extortion if based on mutual agreement. |
| Definition of Extortion | Forcing someone to pay against their will. |
| Al-Taheri’s Response | Urged the minister to retract remarks; emphasised humanity. |
| Public Reaction | Mixed reactions; sparked debate both online and offline. |
| Core Debate | Differentiating voluntary payments from forced collection. |
Experts suggest that this debate goes beyond the minister’s personal viewpoint, highlighting the longstanding practices and policies within Bangladesh’s road transport and labour sectors. Observers have emphasised that government officials need to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive issues like these, to avoid misunderstanding and social unrest.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Sheikh Robiul Alam’s remarks has brought the ethics and financial practices of Bangladesh’s road transport sector into sharp focus, engaging not only policymakers but also the general public in an important discussion about accountability and welfare in the system.