Extortion trap at entrances to Faridpur city leaves pedestrians frustrated

Pedestrians are allegedly being stopped and forced to pay money at several important entry points to Faridpur city, including Janata Bank Mor in the city centre, Chawk Bazar, Alipur Mor and the area near the 11-storey building. Several groups of children, teenagers and women aged between 8 and 12 from the Bede community have allegedly been collecting money in this way from morning until 8 or 9pm.
The incidents reportedly take place regularly in front of traffic police. Victims and local residents have expressed anger over the lack of effective action.
It is alleged that ordinary people coming to the city from rural areas for work, elderly people, women and pedestrians from distant areas are particularly targeted. If anyone refuses to pay, they are allegedly surrounded, blocked from leaving, pulled and pushed, and verbally abused. Many people are forced to pay to avoid embarrassment and harassment.
Mr. Nahian, who came to the city from Faridpur Sadar upazila for necessary work, said several women surrounded him soon after he arrived and demanded money. He eventually had to pay, leaving him short of money for his journey home.
Mr. Rahmat of Momin Kharhat, and Ms. Jiniya and Ms. Rahela Begum of Alipur, reported similar experiences. Ms. Rahela Begum said, “When men are publicly forced and pulled around like this, it puts them in an embarrassing situation. Everyone is forced to pay.”
Several women from the Bede community in the Munsibazar area, who are accused of collecting money this way, spoke on condition of anonymity. They said, “We ask people for money because we have to make a living. As there are no work opportunities, we are forced to collect money this way. But we do not intend to harass anyone.”
They said they have to come to the streets to support their families and meet their children’s expenses. “If the administration provides us with alternative work or assistance, we will no longer come to the streets,” they said.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed anger over the incidents taking place in full view of traffic police. TSI Sheikh Tuhin, who is responsible for the Alipur area, declined to appear on camera when asked for his comment. However, he said the incidents regularly come to his attention.
TSI Sheikh Tuhin said, “I have personally warned them several times against pulling and forcing people to give money. But they return after being warned. When we try to stop them, they abuse us by bringing up our mothers and sisters. Their language is extremely abusive, so sometimes even the police do not intervene.”
City residents have questioned why a permanent solution has not been found despite such incidents occurring in front of police. At the same time, local people have called for the livelihood concerns of the Bede community to be addressed with sensitivity. They also demanded alternative employment and rehabilitation measures for them.
Faridpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya said, “If such incidents are taking place, it is regrettable.” She said officials would look into whether any government assistance or incentives could be provided to members of the Bede community in the Munsibazar area. If necessary, financial assistance could be arranged after discussions with the deputy commissioner. “The matter is being taken seriously,” she said.
Faridpur Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mr. Md. Mahmudul Hasan said, “So far, we have not received any written or specific complaint of this kind. However, our police patrol teams are operating in the city. Action will be taken immediately if we receive a complaint.”
Conscious citizens of Faridpur have strongly demanded administrative action to maintain normalcy in the city, along with long-term social rehabilitation for the Bede community.