45 officers-employees of 80 Rural Electricity Associations across the country have been agitating for a long time to demand that Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) stop irregularities and corruption, implement uniform service code and regularize irregular workers. However, at the request of the government, they withdrew the agitation and returned to work. Still, REB is harassing the officers and employees of the association with disciplinary measures one after another. They have sought the government's support to stop this harassment.
This information was informed in a press release sent by the officials of the Non-Discrimination Rural Electricity Association on Thursday (October 24).
It is informed in the notification that although there is no movement going on at present, REB is doing stand release, transfer and attachment of officers and employees almost every day. Which is creating new dissatisfaction in the societies. Officials-employees consider the issue as a provocative attempt by REB.
It is said that 7 persons were attached on stand release on Thursday 24 October and one officer was arrested on Wednesday night. Punitive measures have been taken against a total of 63 people this week. Besides, cases have been filed against 172 people and 17 people have been arrested. That is why there is panic among the officers and employees in all associations across the country.
The anti-discrimination officers and employees said that before this, the government has formed a committee and held several meetings to understand the rationale of the demand. Those committees are still reviewing various aspects of the claim, and even formed another committee on Thursday. 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 working to ensure maximum customer service by refraining from any kind of agitation. However, due to harassment, many officials are not able to work regularly.
In this situation, officials and employees seek cooperation from the government, countrymen, political figures, civil society and media workers to stop the harassment.
In the notification, under the prevailing situation, all the officers and employees of Palli Vidyut Samiti are requested to maintain uninterrupted power supply and customer service through caution and patience. Besides, REB has been urged not to get involved in any kind of incitement.
