Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government will take action if specific information or evidence of extortion is provided, in response to allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition that extortion is driving up commodity prices.

“If the Leader of the Opposition has any records showing that extortion has increased, he can provide them to me, or you (journalists) can provide them. Then we will be able to address the matter,” he told reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on law and order, security at sacrificial cattle markets and overall preparations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

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“Once we receive a list of places where extortion has increased, we will take action,” the minister added.

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman recently claimed that commodity prices had increased due to extortion.

He made the claim after visiting Shah Ali wholesale market in Mirpur-1 in the capital, where traders allegedly complained about silent extortion and excessive shop rents.

According to the traders, shops officially rented out for Tk 5,000 at the government market are being sublet for as much as Tk 1,50,000, creating extra pressure on businesses.

Many traders also said they were afraid of identifying those allegedly involved in extortion.

In response, Shafiqur Rahman said such practices must be resisted collectively and assured traders of support if they choose to stand against extortion.

Referring to the allegations, Salahuddin said immediate action will be taken if authorities receive concrete information on the matter.

Noting that a nationwide special drive has been underway since April 30 against extortionists, terrorists, armed criminals, drug traders and gamblers, he said, “Special emphasis has been given to arresting drug dealers and illegal arms holders.”

Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and district police superintendents have been instructed to regularly submit progress reports on the drives, the minister said.