'Tk 2–3cr extorted daily' from Kawran Bazar, claims Jamaat MP

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a member of parliament (MP) for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami from the Dhaka-12 constituency, claimed today that around Tk 2–3 crore is extorted daily from Kawran Bazar, one of the largest wholesale markets in the capital.

He alleged that, much like under the previous administration, individuals associated with the current ruling party are controlling the extortion syndicate.

He also claimed that Tk 60 lakh per month is being extorted solely from a handful of wholesale chicken shops in Kawran Bazar.

Speaking at a budget dialogue organised by Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in Dhaka, Milon questioned whether transactions made under the guise of mutual understanding should not be considered extortion.

He claimed that the money is ultimately borne by consumers, directly fuelling inflation.

Mahmuda Habiba, another lawmaker from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for a reserved women's seat in the 13th National Parliament, strongly protested Milon's remarks at the event, calling his position "unfortunate."

"If I were the MP of my constituency, I would declare a jihad and seek legal action against anyone involved in extortion within my area, regardless of whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition," she said.

In response, Milon countered by asking how one could seek legal recourse when authorities do not even accept cases.

He said he had already raised the matter with the home minister and sought his cooperation, adding that he would soon approach the prime minister directly to seek help in stopping the extortion.

He demanded a complete end to extortion in the Kawran Bazar and Mohakhali bus stand areas in the public interest.