Palli Vidyut Samiti seeks government's support to stop harassment

45 officers and employees of 80 Rural Electricity Associations across the country have been agitating for a long time demanding that regulatory body Rural Electricity Board (REB) stop irregularities, corruption, implementation of uniform service code and regularization of irregular workers.

However, at the request of the interim government, all kinds of agitations have been withdrawn and the officers and employees have returned to work. They complained that REB is harassing the officers and employees of the association with one disciplinary measure after another.

On Thursday (October 24), the officials of the non-discriminating rural electricity association informed this information in a circular.

It is said in the circular that REB is carrying out retaliatory stand-release, transfer and attachment of officers and employees almost every day despite the fact that there is no movement going on. Which is creating new dissatisfaction in the societies. Officials-employees consider the matter as a provocative attempt by REB.

It is also said that on October 24, 7 people were attached to stand release and one official was arrested last night. Punitive measures have been taken against a total of 63 people this week. Also, 172 persons including anonymous persons have been booked and 17 persons have been arrested. That is why there is panic among the officers and employees in all associations across the country. It makes everyone depressed inside.

Anti-discrimination officials-employees said REB and POBIS reform is the demand of time to ensure better customer service and uninterrupted power supply. In the past, the government has formed a committee and held several meetings to understand the rationale of the demand. Currently, those committees are reviewing various aspects of the claim. Even yesterday, another committee was formed with the country's scholars, veterans and renowned energy experts. A few days ago Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) made a committee. Currently the committees are working. Satisfied with the government's action, we are also working to ensure maximum customer service by refraining from any kind of movement.

But on the other hand the Rural Electrification Board (REB) continues to be repressive. Mass transfers are being standardized in various societies without any reason. Earlier, 24 officers were unfairly dismissed from their jobs. At present, many officials are not able to work regularly. Their family members are also treated with extreme disrespect. Such insurance-friendly behavior of REB without any kind of program is suspicious. They are planning to destabilize the country's power sector by instigating it.

In such a situation, the officials-employees of Palli Vidyut Samiti, the country's largest organization in the distribution of electricity at the consumer level, sought the cooperation of the government, citizens and political personalities, civil society and media workers to ensure the safety and fair working environment and to stop harassment.

According to the notification, the officials and employees believe that a sustainable solution is possible only through the expert level committee that the government has set up to reform the REB Pobis. Officials-employees are strongly committed to provide all kinds of cooperation necessary to solve the ongoing crisis in a fair and acceptable way.

In the notification, all the officers and employees of Palli Vidyut Samiti are requested to maintain uninterrupted power supply and customer service through caution and patience in the existing situation. Besides, REB is urged not to get involved in any kind of incitement.

NS/JH