Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has said the government has alternative measures ready to ensure uninterrupted rural electricity services if the striking workers of Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) fail to return to work.
Speaking to journalists following a meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Kabir urged workers currently on mass leave to rejoin their duties without delay.
“We have backup plans to keep rural power services running. Thousands are willing to work,” he said. “However, our priority is to continue operations with our existing workforce. If anyone engages in sabotage, legal action will be taken under the law.”
Dr. Kabir acknowledged that some of the PBS workers’ demands are valid, but noted that intelligence reports suggest individuals opposing the upcoming elections may also be involved in the movement.
“Not everyone supports elections, and intelligence agencies have indicated that those opposing the polls may be backing or participating in the protest. We’d like to believe the workers are simply misinformed. But if they don’t return soon, it may signal external instigation,” he added.
Transfers and Disciplinary Actions
Addressing the background of the ongoing protests, Dr. Kabir explained that after the initial phase of demonstrations, several officials were transferred and legal proceedings were initiated against a few. When the protest resumed in May, the government formed two committees to investigate the matter.
According to committee findings, 3,029 PBS employees had been transferred—some as part of routine administrative measures. Following government review, 803 of them have already been reinstated to their previous posts.
Another key issue raised by protestors relates to disciplinary actions. Dr. Kabir said 364 departmental cases have been filed within PBS, a higher number due to its large workforce, whereas the Rural Electrification Board (REB) has seen only 64 such cases.
“The claim that disciplinary actions were excessive is not entirely accurate,” he stated.
In response to corruption allegations in REB procurement processes, a seven-member committee has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation.
Return to Work and Legal Action
The adviser noted that following the mass leave announcement, many employees have returned to their jobs. “Others want to return but are reportedly being obstructed by some individuals,” he said. “Legal steps are being taken in this regard, and three general diaries (GDs) have been filed. Despite the mass leave, electricity supply has remained stable.”
He added that while the government is open to addressing legitimate demands, prolonged absenteeism undermines the process.
“We are exercising significant patience,” Dr. Kabir said. “But if employees continue to stay away from work and disrupt services, their demands cannot be considered.”
When asked about the possibility of negotiations with protestors, he responded, “How can we negotiate with people who are officially on leave? Let them return, and then we can sit down. They must first return to discipline. If they don’t, we will move forward with alternative measures.”
He emphasized that PBS employees are a vital part of the country’s broader power sector. “We want them back on the job as soon as possible and urge them to seize this opportunity.”
Long-Term Structural Reform and Energy Prices
On a separate note, Dr. Kabir said the government is considering structural reforms within PBS. “We are exploring the feasibility of transforming the cooperatives into companies. This would be a long-term initiative requiring legal reforms and feasibility assessments,” he said.
Addressing concerns about potential increases in gas and electricity tariffs, the adviser confirmed that there are no such plans.
“We are managing shortages without raising prices,” he said. “To address the gas supply deficit, the government is importing more LNG and working to repair aging pipelines while removing illegal connections.”
When asked whether new residential gas connections would be introduced, Dr. Kabir responded candidly: “No. In fact, I’m under pressure to shut down existing household gas lines. But I haven’t done that—because if I did, I wouldn’t be able to enter my own home.”