A Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker on Monday alleged that large-scale extortion continues at Kawran Bazar, claiming that nearly Tk2-3 crore is collected daily from businesses operating in the wholesale market.
Speaking at a budget dialogue organised by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, Jamaat MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon said extortion networks remain active in the capital’s major commercial hubs despite repeated public concerns.
The Dhaka-12 lawmaker alleged that people linked to the ruling party are controlling the extortion system in a manner similar to previous administrations. According to him, wholesalers, transport operators and traders are regularly forced to pay money, the burden of which is eventually transferred to consumers through increased prices of goods.
Saiful Alam Khan Milon claimed that a small number of wholesale chicken shops in Kawran Bazar alone are paying around Tk60 lakh every month in extortion money. He questioned whether financial transactions carried out under so-called “mutual understanding” should not also be treated as extortion.
He argued that such practices are contributing directly to inflation and increasing pressure on ordinary consumers.
His remarks drew an immediate reaction from BNP lawmaker Mahmuda Habiba, who attended the same event. The reserved-seat MP criticised Milon’s comments and described the situation as “unfortunate.”
She said if she were the elected representative of the area, she would launch strict action against extortionists regardless of their political affiliations.
Responding to her comments, Saiful Alam Khan Milon said filing complaints becomes difficult when authorities allegedly refuse to accept cases. He added that he had already discussed the issue with the home minister and would soon raise the matter with the Prime Minister to seek stronger intervention.
The Jamaat MP also demanded an immediate end to extortion activities in Kawran Bazar and the nearby Mohakhali Bus Terminal area, saying such practices are harming businesses and the public alike.
