TDS Desk:

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said that extortion has risen across the country since 5 August, and the interim government has failed to bring it under control.

Speaking to The Business Standard at his office in the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (September 30), he stated that without political commitment and an elected government, controlling extortion is not possible.

“For example, if Tk1 was extorted earlier, now Tk1.5-Tk2 is being taken. Since 5 August, various groups have become involved in extortion, including those who were not previously engaged. Even members of business associations are involved,” he said.

He added that extortion is driving up commodity prices, but tackling the issue is not the responsibility of his ministry.

“The interim government is not following a ‘catch this person, catch that person’ approach,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, Salehuddin expressed optimism that inflation will come down to 7% by June next year.