Different road committees approved by Dhaka Sarak Paribahan Samity (DSPS) are “illegally” realising around Tk 2.1 lakh toll every day from the city bus services, which are not DSPS members.
Owners of the counter bus services say they are forced to pay Tk 70 for each bus a day to the cadres of the DSPS-approved committees.
Shahadat Hossain, director of Swakalpa Paribahan, said, “The road committees are collecting toll from the buses illegally. We don’t use any terminals or enjoy any facilities offered by DSPS. But the committees are realising the toll for different bus terminals.”
Shahadat said over 3,000 buses of around 70 bus companies ply in the city streets every day.
He added each of their buses has to pay Tk 70 a day and if they deny the payment, their buses and staffs come under attack frequently.
Cashier Abul Monsur Bulbul of DSPS, however, claimed the collection is not illegal.
“The daily toll of Tk 70 per bus was fixed at a meeting at the Office of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner in presence of police officials and transport leaders. We are collecting the toll lawfully through different committees.”
He added the buses plying on the city streets will pay them the toll, as they “control” the city. The toll does not depend on whether the buses use city terminals or not, he said.
General Secretary of Mirpur Bus and Minibus Owners Association (road committee) Moharaj Hossain told The Daily Star they realise Tk 70 from each bus plying on the streets in the area.
He said of the toll amount, they pay Tk 30 to DSPS, Tk 20 to the workers’ association, Tk 10 to the Sramik Federation and Tk 10 to the community police.
Their association was approved by DSPS on February 18 and since then they are realising the toll, he added.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (DC) Awlad Hossain told The Daily Star the parliamentary standing committee on communications ministry has assured the bus owners that it would take necessary measures in this regard.
He expressed the hope the dispute between the owners of the counter bus services and DSPS authorities will be solved soon.
Several companies alleged their buses have to pay toll regularly at different counters and ruling party cadres and local criminals realise the toll.
Counterman Tariqul Islam Masud of Al-Zami Paribahan at Mirpur-1 said local criminals realise Tk 500-700 from him frequently.
If he denies them, they beat him up and even dislodge the counter, he added.
DSPS General Secretary Enayet Ullah could not be reached over phone despite repeated attempts.
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