A gang- of extortionists' are openly collecting tolls from small traders at Waizghat area in the old part of the city.

The extortionists mainly target the small traders carrying their goods in rickshaws or rickshaw vans after the purchase from the nearby wholesale markets.

The toll collectors' stop every rickshaw or van carrying various merchandise and force the traders to pay a 'tax'.

The toll collectors claimed that they were authorised by the Dhaka City Corporation to collect the money. When challenged by this correspondent the extortionists could not produce any identity card or receipt.

"We had to win a bid to collect the tolls here." said one. The traders complained that this toll collection has been going on for quite some time now. .

"The City Corporation charges a tax called Octroi when something enters the city from other parts of the country. Here again we are being subjected to paying illegal tolls." said a trader who had Just paid Tk 2 for carry Ing a basket of mangoes.