LALMOHAN, BHOLA, June 20: The leasing of a regional highway under the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) by Lalmohan Municipality has sparked controversy amid allegations that it violates a High Court directive.
Locals alleged that the municipality, despite not having any dedicated bus or truck terminal, created “fictional” terminals and leased out sections of the Bhola"Char Fasson regional highway, collecting lakhs of taka through the process. They also claimed that the arrangement has enabled illegal toll collection in the name of taxes from transport operators.
According to municipal sources, tenders were floated in the Bengali year 1433 for leasing various markets and stands. The notice included a minimum bid of Tk 5,57,389 for an inter-district truck and goods transport stand. It also mentioned collection of development tax from tractors and trolleys operating within municipal areas.
However, a 2022 circular issued by the Local Government Division, in line with a High Court order in Writ Petition No. 4640/2022, instructed all city corporations and municipalities not to collect tolls from roads or highways without designated terminals or stands.
The Municipal Ordinance also states that parking fees or tolls can only be collected from facilities constructed by municipalities.
Despite this, locals said Lalmohan Municipality has leased sections of the RHD highway without having any official terminal, leading to continued toll collection at multiple points in the municipal area.
During a visit to the Bhola"Char Fasson regional highway, toll collection was seen taking place openly at several points, including near Hospital Gate Tera Bridge, Saudagar Chowmuhani and Langalkhali areas.
However, toll collectors claimed they were operating legally under a municipal lease and said any legal issues should be clarified by the municipality.
When contacted, Lalmohan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Municipal Administrator Mohammad Sifat Bin Sadek said he was not aware of any High Court restriction on such leasing activities. He added that the tender process and related decisions were carried out during the previous municipal administration and, to his knowledge, had been approved by the relevant committee.
Transport operators, however, have expressed concern that the ongoing toll collection is increasing operational costs and causing frequent disruptions on the highway. They urged the authorities to review the legality of the leasing system and ensure compliance with court directives.
Local residents also demanded intervention from higher authorities to stop what they described as irregular toll collection on a national highway corridor.
