Form squad to break up extortion rackets

A recurring challenge for Bangladeshis in accessing public services from public transport to passport processing is the widespread "prevalence of extortion," according to a task force report.

One of the task force's major economic recommendations is the creation of an "Anti-Goon Squad" to crack down on extortionists who have long held public services, markets, and infrastructure projects hostage.

The unit could either operate within the public sector or be outsourced to private security firms, provided there are safeguards to prevent misuse. The report also calls for monitoring and oversight by youth and citizen groups to ensure the squad remains accountable.

"This deeply entrenched problem extends beyond public services into markets, transportation systems, and construction sites," said the task force formed by the interim government.

Education and Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud yesterday handed over the report, titled "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development," to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

The 12-member team, formed on September 10, was tasked with reframing development strategies, identifying leakages in the financial system, and restoring discipline in project implementation. The team was led by KAS Murshid, former director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, and its report serves as the backbone of the administration's policy push, laying out recommendations to curb corruption, improve governance, and overhaul the nation's economic framework.

From roadside markets to major construction sites, extortion in Bangladesh has become institutionalised, according to economists and industry groups. Public transport is one of the hardest-hit sectors, where bus operators and truck drivers routinely pay off syndicates tied to local power brokers. Businesses, too, must factor in informal fees to access electricity, licences, or even basic government services.

The problem, however, is not limited to public-facing services. According to the task force, organised gangs have embedded themselves within public service institutions, acting as brokers between service seekers and service providers -- with the help of influential insiders. These middlemen, often protected by association leaders and law enforcement officials, have placed themselves in key institutional tasks -- from recruitment and promotion to vendor contracts and procurement.

"Serious attempts to dismantle this onerous system have been scarce -- in part because of the close nexus of these middlemen with local political forces and law enforcement."

REFORMING A SYSTEM OF CRONYISM

The rise of extortion and corruption has been linked to the unchecked influence of politically connected business elites, particularly during the 15-year rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August 2024 following massive student-led protests. Under her government, a select group of individuals consolidated control over banks, real estate, and major infrastructure projects, diverting resources away from the broader economy.

The task force report paints a grim picture of political capture in the banking sector. It called for an immediate end to politically motivated bank licences and bailouts. It further urged the central bank to be allowed to function independently, citing the Bangladesh Bank Amendment Bill 2003 as a necessary framework for ensuring its autonomy.

Bangladesh's future economic growth must be more resilient and inclusive, according to the task force. The economy cannot remain dependent on narrow sectors or a few powerful actors; instead, it must be broad-based, creating opportunities for all segments of society to participate and benefit.

Achieving this requires a renewed focus on agriculture, small and medium enterprises, and rural development, alongside efforts to modernise the industrial sector and integrate into global value chains.

The vision emerging from the report is of a just, prosperous, and accountable Bangladesh -- one that values its people and prioritises their well-being above all else. Achieving this vision will require a fundamental shift in governance, emphasising meritocracy, rule of law, and respect for democratic principles.

"The task ahead is immense, but the people of Bangladesh have shown time and again their resilience and capacity for innovation," the report said. With the right policies, leadership, and public engagement, the country can overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger, more united, and better prepared to face future uncertainties.