Boatmen operating on Dhaka’s Buriganga River have alleged that they are forced to pay Tk 20 from every Tk 50 passenger fare to the ghat leaseholder, resulting in daily payments of Tk 500–700. The alleged extortion is reportedly carried out by leaseholder Suman Bhuiyan and his associates at the Wiseghat–Keraniganj ferry route. The information emerged after several boatmen visited the BIWTA office to protest the extra charges, but the issue remained unresolved despite a meeting with a representative of the leaseholder.

According to the boatmen, they earn Tk 50 per trip carrying five passengers but must surrender Tk 20 each time, leaving little after fuel and other costs. Around 200 boatmen reportedly operate from Wiseghat, generating over Tk 100,000 daily for the leaseholder’s group. Local sources said Suman Bhuiyan has controlled the Wiseghat and Sadarghat handling centers since 2024 under lease agreements.

Suman Bhuiyan denied the allegations, claiming the charges are lawful tolls approved by BIWTA. BIWTA officials confirmed that the lease allows collection of Tk 50–100 per engine boat daily, suggesting possible irregularities in implementation.