Extortion festival underway at Benapole land port, Ansar members involved

Around 900 trucks travel between Bangladesh and India every day through Benapole, the country’s largest land port. Along with security guards, Ansar members are also deployed to secure this port. However, the Ansar members in charge of security have resorted to extortion. Drivers and traders allege that trucks from both countries are openly extorted from 20 to 30 taka at the 10 gates of the land port while traveling to and from India. On the other hand, Ansar members claim that it is not extortion but rather the drivers occasionally give them tips when they are happy. An Indian driver said that Ansars take 20 taka when entering Bangladesh. An Ansar member on duty at Benapole land port said that some people happily give 10-20 taka. However, it is not mandatory here. In this regard, Port Director Shamim Hossain said, “It is not extortion, but some truck drivers take the serial forward by paying 10 taka. However, action is taken against them if such complaints are received. Incidentally, 163 Ansars and 129 security guards are deployed for security at Benapole Land Port.