An organized syndicate is reportedly collecting a huge amount of money from drivers by operating an illegal CNG parking station in Cox’s Bazar town. The parking spot has been set up in front of a petrol pump, one of the busiest points in the town. Under the name of ‘line fees,’ toll is being collected from CNG drivers. The situation has not only worsened traffic congestion on the main road but also created a fire hazard for the nearby petrol pump.
Recently, an unauthorized CNG parking station has been established along the roadside. From this place, drivers are charged between Tk 20 and Tk 40 daily, generating thousands of taka each month.
According to allegations, a group of people, led by one Mohammad Belal, has taken control of the busy area and set up the parking station with the support of some traffic police. Each CNG entering the station is required to pay Tk 20 to Tk 40, generating daily collections of Tk 5,000 to Tk 10,000.
CNG drivers claim that when entering the town, they must pay Tk 40 in total, including Tk 20 as line fees and Tk 20 as a supposed municipal charge, to the syndicate.
Shamsul Alam, a CNG driver from Kotbazar in Ukhiya, said “Compared to other places in Cox’s Bazar town, there are more passengers near this petrol pump. Fares are also better here. That’s why even after paying Tk 40 to the syndicate, we can operate without problems.”
Another driver, Mohiuddin from Morichya in Ukhiya, said “Since the parking is controlled by Belal’s group with the help of traffic police, we don’t face harassment here. Even if there is a problem with vehicle documents, Belal manages everything.”
Rahamat Ullah, a driver from Ramu, said, “Whether we get passengers or not, we must pay Tk 40. They collect toll from around 500 CNG vehicles daily. Why should we have to pay someone just to park on a government road”
The parking station, built next to Bhola Babu’s petrol pump, is also disrupting fuel supply operations and increasing fire risks. Uttam Das, Managing Director of K.M. Mohajan & Brothers, said “We do not sell CNG, so there is no justification for CNG vehicles parking here. I have submitted a written complaint to the administration requesting removal of the parking station, but no action has been taken yet. As a result, our pump is at serious risk of fire. Additionally, government vehicles, ambulances, and fire service trucks often face difficulties entering the station because of the parked CNG.”
Regarding the allegations of extortion and public suffering, Cox’s Bazar Traffic Division Additional Superintendent of Police Debdut Majumdar said “We have heard that a group has illegally set up a CNG station by occupying the road and the petrol pump area, collecting toll unlawfully. If any traffic police members are found involved, action will be taken against them after investigation. The syndicate will also be brought to justice.”
Syndicate leader Mohammad Belal admitted collecting toll but claimed it was for line management. “This is a line fee. We collect Tk 20 to maintain order and serials for vehicles,” he said.
When asked whether they had any official permission to occupy the road for a CNG parking station, Belal replied, “A few of us young people started this. We have to make a living. What’s the need to make news about it”