Despite an official order to resume duties within 24 hours, protesting officials and employees of the Bangladesh Palli Bidut Association has announced that their ongoing “mass leave” programme will continue, while emergency electricity services will remain operational.
In a press release signed by Bangladesh Rural Bidut Association Office Secretary Mahbubur Rahman on Sunday, it was stated that to prevent any disruption in the country’s power supply, two electricity workers have been assigned to each of the 80 samities substations to ensure uninterrupted distribution.
According to the release, around 45,000 officials and employees of 80 Palli Bidut samaties began an indefinite “mass leave” from Sunday morning, demanding reforms in rural electrification, removal of job discrimination, and an end to alleged harassment.
“We want to respectfully inform the government that our movement is not influenced by any anti-state instigation. We only seek a permanent solution to the problems faced by the rural power associations,” Mahbubur Rahman said. He added that the association has ensured that two workers remain on duty at each substation and urged the Power Division to address long-pending issues without further delay.
The statement noted that since January 2024, rural electrification officials and employees have been protesting alleged corruption and exploitation within the Rural Electrification Board, with the aim of establishing a quality electricity system for rural communities.
Following the fall of the previous government, an interim administration formed an expert committee on October 23, 2024, to recommend reforms. Later, after a 16-day sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar—during which uninterrupted electricity supply was maintained—the committee submitted its report. On June 5, 2025, the Power Division provided written assurances, and on June 17, 2024, two more committees were formed. However, the association alleged that no visible progress has been made since then.
The release also mentioned that 13 political parties—including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, NCP, Ganasamhati Andolan, Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, and Islami Andolan—had expressed solidarity with the movement. Still, the interim government’s press secretary described it in the media as “anti-state instigation,” which the association termed “deeply regrettable.”
Govt Orders Palli Bidyut Staff to Resume Duties
Meanwhile, the Power Division has reiterated that uninterrupted electricity supply is an essential service and any disruption or obstruction is a punishable offence under the Essential Services Act.
The government said efforts are underway to address the demands of rural power officials and employees, stressing that it remains sensitive to the issue. However, all those absent under the banner of mass leave have been ordered to return to their respective workplaces within 24 hours or face legal action.