Interim govt struggles to curb extortion: Finance Adviser

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that extortion has surged in the country since August 5 last year, attributing the rise to a lack of political commitment. 

Speaking to reporters at his office in the Finance Ministry on Tuesday, he remarked, “The interim government has been unable to control extortion, and without a political government, it’s not feasible to tackle it effectively.”

He highlighted the escalation, noting, “Where one taka was previously extorted, now it’s one and a half or two taka. Since August 5, various groups, including those previously exempt and members of business organisations, have been involved in extortion.” 

He added that rising commodity prices are partly due to extortion but clarified that addressing it falls outside his ministry’s purview. 

The interim government, he emphasised, does not operate on a policy of selective enforcement.

Dr. Salehuddin also projected that inflation would decrease to seven percent by June next year.