‘Collecting money and extorting money not same thing,’ says Minister Rabiul after backlash

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said voluntary financial contributions in the transport sector should not be equated with extortion, drawing a distinction between mutually agreed collections and forced payments.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday (26 February), the minister addressed questions on discipline in the transport sector and preparations for the upcoming Eid travel rush.

He said workers’ and owners’ associations in the road transport sector often collect funds among themselves for welfare purposes based on mutual understanding. “Collecting money and extorting money are two different matters. When workers and owners determine and collect money among themselves for their welfare and spend it through their own process, it is difficult to call that extortion.”

However, he added that any money collected through coercion or the use of unlawful force would be treated as extortion and dealt with strictly. “Extortion is when someone is forced to pay against their will. If any illegal force tries to do that, our ministry will not allow it. This is our commitment.”

The remarks come amid controversy over comments he made at a press briefing at the Secretariat on 19 February, where he said he did not see what is described as extortion in road transport in the same way.

At that briefing, Rabiul said that owners’ and workers’ associations spend collected funds on welfare and that the practice operates like an unwritten rule. He added that he would term it extortion only when someone is compelled to pay unwillingly.

His earlier comments triggered widespread criticism on social media platforms, with many users accusing the minister of attempting to legitimise extortion on the roads.