Extortion: A Cancer Eating Away at Bangladesh’s Democracy

Extortion has become one of the gravest social and political threats facing Bangladesh. For decades, this unlawful practice has continued from remote villages to major urban centres under successive governments.

Today, it has spread throughout society like a cancer, affecting businesses, transport systems, public services and ordinary citizens alike. From local markets and bus terminals to construction sites, launch ghats, truck stands, commercial hubs and even public institutions, people are frequently compelled to pay illegal money to politically connected groups, influential local leaders, criminal networks or corrupt officials. What is most alarming is that this culture has gradually become normalised in society.

Many people now consider it an unavoidable part of daily life. Even a simple hawker selling vegetables on a footpath often has to pay chanda (extortion). Otherwise, they may not be allowed to continue their business peacefully. Rickshaw pullers, truck drivers, launch workers, and small shopkeepers also face similar pressure.

Media reports indicate that extortion generates tens of billions of taka annually in Bangladesh and has sharply increased in recent years. According to a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report published in March 2024, in Dhaka alone, extortion from 53 transport terminals reportedly reached Tk 60 to 80 crore each month, while nationwide illegal collections from the transport sector exceeded Tk 1,059 crore annually.

Another report of TIB says, Bangladeshis paid an estimated Tk 10,902 crore in bribes to access various government and private services in 2023, representing nearly 0.2 percent of the country’s GDP. Now, business leaders claim extortion has increased by up to 50% following the political transition in 2024. Economists warn that this growing culture of organised extortion is discouraging investment, raising commodity prices, weakening governance and fuelling social unrest.

The burden ultimately falls on ordinary citizens because the additional costs are added to the prices of goods and services. As a result, common people indirectly pay the price of corruption and extortion through higher living costs.

Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, allegations quickly emerged that activists and supporters linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party now control many areas previously dominated by former ruling party groups and have started collecting extortion money in different sectors. Reports from various districts suggest that the system simply changed hands rather than disappearing.

However, blaming only political activists would not present the full picture. Public discussions, media reports and local observations indicate that some local influential figures, sections of law enforcement agencies, transport syndicates, market committees and even certain government officials are also connected with extortion networks. In some areas, extortion operations are reportedly carried out jointly through unofficial understandings among political leaders, criminal groups and corrupt officials.

The most disturbing reality is that local administration and law enforcement agencies often know who is involved in extortion activities. In many areas, the identities of extortionists are no secret. Business owners, transport workers and local residents can easily identify those collecting illegal money openly every day. Yet visible action against them is rarely seen. Many citizens believe political influence, corruption, fear or financial interests prevent proper enforcement of the law.

For many criminals, extortion has become a highly profitable business without investment. Unlike ordinary businesses that require capital, skills or hard work, extortion allows groups to collect huge sums of money simply through fear, intimidation and political connections. This easy flow of illegal money encourages more people, particularly unemployed youths, to become involved in criminal political activities.

Transport sectors are among the worst affected. Bus drivers, truck operators, launch owners and rickshaw pullers frequently complain about paying illegal tolls at different points. Trucks carrying vegetables, fish, rice, garments and consumer products reportedly pay extortion multiple times while moving from one district to another. Eventually, these costs increase product prices in local markets, creating additional pressure on ordinary consumers already struggling with inflation.

The culture of extortion severely damages democracy and the rule of law. Democracy cannot function properly where fear, intimidation and illegal financial control dominate public life. When criminalised political culture becomes stronger than legal institutions, citizens gradually lose confidence in governance, justice and elections. Ordinary people feel frustrated and helpless because they see extortion continuing openly while authorities often fail to take effective action.

Public anger grows when political leaders publicly promise to stop corruption and extortion just to break. The economic consequences are also serious. Extortion discourages local and foreign investment, increases business costs, and weakens competitiveness. Many entrepreneurs quietly admit that corruption and extortion remain among the biggest barriers to doing business in Bangladesh.

Economists warn that without restoring law and order, reducing corruption and ensuring accountability, Bangladesh’s investment climate and democratic institutions may face deeper instability. Strong political commitment, independent law enforcement, digital monitoring systems and protection for businesses and ordinary citizens are urgently needed to stop extortion.

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in economic growth, infrastructure development and poverty reduction. But sustainable progress cannot continue if organised extortion becomes institutionalised within politics and society.

Democracy loses its meaning when ordinary citizens live under fear, intimidation and illegal financial exploitation. Bangladesh must stop this culture with strong and effective measures. Otherwise, many national achievements may gradually be destroyed, public frustration will continue to grow, and the country’s long-term development and democratic stability may seriously suffer.