Sunamganj boat owners allege illegal toll collection on three Tahirpur rivers

Traders in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj have submitted a memorandum to the district administration alleging excessive toll collection and harassment of boat operators on the Jadukata, Patlai and Rakti rivers, and demanded immediate action to stop the practice.

Jadukata River Boat Owners Association and the Stone Crusher Owners Association jointly submitted the memorandum to the Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) on Wednesday.

Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Naval Police (Sylhet Region), Tahirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tahirpur Police Station.

Leaders of the two associations, along with local traders and boat owners, were present during the submission. According to the memorandum, sand-and stone-laden boats are allegedly being charged multiple tolls at the same point in the Fazilpur area without displaying the government-approved toll chart.

The complainants alleged that tolls are being collected separately in the names of BIWTA, khas collection and Fazilpur toll, increasing the total charge to Tk5.30 per cubic foot.

They also alleged that on the Patlai River, workers of the leaseholder collect tolls without issuing receipts and impose additional charges beyond the approved rates. They further claimed that boat operators protesting the collections face harassment, including additional fines and seizure of their boats. In the memorandum, the associations demanded public display of the government toll schedule, mandatory issuance of receipts for all collections, an end to the harassment of boat workers and collection of tolls only at designated booths instead of stopping boats mid-river. They also called for ensuring the safety and security of boat owners and workers.

The Deputy Commissioner assured that the allegations would be investigated and necessary legal action would be taken if any irregularities were found. Meanwhile, boat owners and workers have announced a transport strike in protest against the alleged excessive toll collection.