The latest reporting on extortion in Dhaka’s markets reveals a crisis that has gone on for far too long and one that must be taken seriously.
Small traders are the backbone of our capital’s daily economy but are being squeezed by criminal groups, politically-connected operatives, and local strongmen who demand payments simply for the “right” to operate.
At a time when everyday people are struggling due to numerous economic challenges, that these small traders and businesses are having to experience this is distressing, to say the least.
That a systematic pattern of intimidation exists that is draining livelihoods, raising prices for consumers, and eroding public trust in law enforcement should alarm the authorities and compel them to take action with immediate effect.
Many traders pay because the alternative is violence, vandalism, or being forced out of business entirely. Some have already shut down operations, unable to survive the pressure.
We must also recognize that this is not merely a law‑and‑order issue but also an economic threat. When small traders are extorted, the entire supply chain suffers. Prices rise, competition shrinks, and honest businesses lose ground to those protected by criminal networks.
Authorities cannot pretend this is invisible any longer. Enforcement remains sporadic, and crackdowns rarely dismantle the networks behind the extortion. We agree with experts on the matter that a few arrests will not solve a problem that is deeply entrenched.
What is needed is a sustained, uncompromising campaign against extortion. Police must protect traders, not leave them to negotiate with criminals while market committees must be held accountable when they enable or ignore illegal collections.
Most importantly, we need our political leadership to make it clear that extortion will be met with decisive action and not just empty promises.
Small traders keep Dhaka running and they have earned the right to safety, dignity, and the freedom to work without fear. It is time for the authorities to prove that the city belongs to its citizens, not to those who prey on them.
