Rising Product Prices in Bandarban Due to Excessive Toll Collection

In Bandarban, tolls are collected from goods-carrying vehicles and boats at 20 approved points on roads and waterways. These toll points are managed under the supervision of the Hill District Council. Each fiscal year, from July to June, the council leases the toll points to various operators and sets the toll rates for different exportable products. However, some leaseholders have been accused of charging several times the approved rates. Additionally, tolls are being collected at three unauthorized points, forcing traders to raise product prices, which in turn burdens consumers.