Dhaka Businesses Face Monthly Extortion of Over Ten Million Taka
Businesses in Dhaka’s Gabtoli and Mirpur areas allegedly pay over 10 million Taka in extortion money each month. This money is reportedly collected from many sources. These include brick, sand, and stone depots. Cargo trucks, river boats, and shops are also targeted.
Local traders and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claim Mostafa Jaglul Pasha, also known as Papel, leads this operation. Papel is a former leader of Jubo Dal. His close associates are also involved. These include Abul Kalam Azad, alias Lenin, and Mohammad Hanif Mia. Hafizul Hasan, alias Shubhro, is also named.
Reports say about 3.55 million Taka is collected from Gabtoli cattle market areas alone. Another 3 million Taka comes from the Shah Ali Mazar wholesale market. Depots along the Gabtoli-Sadarghat embankment road pay 20,000 to 25,000 Taka each month. There are over 100 such depots. Cargo trucks pay 250 to 350 Taka for each trip.
Many depots are built illegally on land owned by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). These depots are also part of the extortion network.
Some individuals named in the network deny the allegations. Shubhro says he is a businessman and not involved in extortion. Shyamal Ahmed, another accused, also denied the claims. Police are looking for Papel, Lenin, and Hanif. Their phones are switched off.
Shafiqul Islam Khan, the DNCC administrator, said he has ordered an investigation. He wants to stop illegal businesses on city land. Deputy Commissioner of Police Hasan Mohammad Nasher Rikabdar stated that strong action will be taken. He said all extortionists will face the law.
River routes also face illegal collections. Collectors approach moving boats in small trawlers. They demand money, often 2,000 to 2,500 Taka per vessel. Officials say no official leaseholder exists for these river tolls this year.
The Gabtoli Bus Terminal also has issues. Leaders allegedly built new ticket counters illegally. An illegal truck stand operates nearby. Truck owners reportedly pay 1,500 Taka per month there.
This widespread extortion continued even after recent political changes. Police say they will bring anyone causing trouble in Mirpur to justice.
