Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South)

Four tourists were severely injured in an attack by the lessee's men over the collection of extra toll at the historic Shimulia Ghat in Louhajang Upazila, Munshiganj.

The unpleasant incident occurred with tourists around 11:30 PM on Thursday over the setup of a new toll point on the ghat's connecting road alongside the BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority) parking yard, accompanied by uncontrolled money collection. Police arrived and brought the situation under control after receiving a call on the 999 national emergency helpline.

According to local and victim sources, starting in July, BIWTA leased out another new toll point for just a half-kilometer stretch of road from Shimulia Ghat to the Mawa-Louhajang main road, in addition to the regular parking yard toll. Allegations have surfaced that the lessee's men, disregarding the designated rates, are collecting arbitrary large sums of money as tolls from tourists and local vehicles.

Having to pay double tolls at two different spots within a distance of just 500 meters had been brewing resentment among visiting tourists and local residents for a long time. This frequently led to arguments and altercations between the lessee's men and the general public.

In the latest incident on Thursday night, when tourists protested against the unfair demands of the toll collectors, the lessee's circle launched an unprovoked attack on them, injuring four tourists.

Investigations reveal that after the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, ferry and launch services at Shimulia Ghat ceased, leaving the ghat stagnant. Right around that time, Shah Nawaz Mohammad Khan joined as the Port Officer of Shimulia Ghat. Centering the ghat, he created factions among influential locals and youth. Driven by his instigation, intense competition arose among the groups, and bidding for the ghat under the guise of parking exceeded Tk 1.5 crore.

Besides, large hotels are subjected to daily extortion of Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000. Even sidewalk hawkers selling spicy puffed rice (jhalmuri) or peanuts are not spared; no one is allowed to do business without an advance payment.

Meanwhile, severe tension has been prevailing in the area since this untoward incident. Local residents and tourists coming from far away have demanded the immediate cancellation of this double toll system, as well as the prompt arrest and legal punishment of the attackers involved.

Locals expressed that collecting two separate tolls within a distance of just half a kilometer is completely unjustifiable.

When asked about the matter, the Port Officer of Shimulia Ghat denied the allegations.

Md. Borhan Uddin, OC of Louhajang Police Station, said, upon receiving a call at 999, I dispatched Sub-Inspector (SI) Azad to the scene.

Farjana Bobi Mitu, Louhajang UNO said, this year, BIWTA set a new toll rate and issued a lease for road usage. However, this has generated a negative reaction among the public.