Sirajganj consumers protest excessive electricity billing, demand officials resignation
Photo Collected
ULLAPARA, Bangladesh — More than 100 electricity consumers staged a protest outside the Sirajganj Palli Bidyut Samity-1 office on Thursday, demanding the resignation of the organization’s general manager over allegations of inflated billing.
The protesters gathered at 11 a.m. in front of the facility, brandishing copies of their recent electricity bills to highlight what they described as exorbitant charges. The demonstration lasted for approximately one hour.
Customers alleged that meter readers from the power cooperative frequently fail to conduct physical inspections of residential meters, instead generating arbitrary billing statements. Residents reported that this practice has led to significantly higher costs, placing an undue financial burden on the community. According to the protesters, they had previously sought a resolution to these recurring administrative failures through official channels but received no relief, forcing them to resort to public demonstration.
Addressing the demonstrators, General Manager Nurul Huda assured the crowd that the utility provider would take immediate steps to rectify the billing discrepancies. Following his pledge to investigate the matter and address the underlying grievances, the protesters dispersed.
In a statement following the event, Huda confirmed that the authorities have taken swift action in response to the complaints. He noted that one meter reader has already been suspended pending further investigation. He emphasized that the organization is conducting a thorough inquiry into the systemic irregularities and vowed that any personnel found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with the cooperative’s regulations.
0%
0%
0%
0%
