Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said a syndicate of police, politicians and administration officials is involved in highway extortion ahead of eid.

"Several groups are involved in the highway extortion syndicate. There are also involvement of political leaders, administration and law enforcers," said Quader while inspecting the mobile court activities on Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Paduar Bazar area.

Pointing at the extortionists, the minister warned that the government will take stern action against those involved in this illicit act.

Quader, also Awami League General Secretary, said the party will nominate candidates for the next general election based on monitoring, scrutiny, survey and information.

"Those who are more acceptable to public will get priority in getting nomination," said the minister.

Responding to queries about the eviction of BNP leader Moudud Ahmed from his Gulshan residence, Quader said if a former law minister does not abide by a court order, then how the public can expect the rule of law from his party, BNP.