The Rural Electrification Board (REB) has filed a case against ten officials of the Palli Bidyut Samity, resulting in their permanent dismissal from service. This action follows ongoing protests by the Samity aimed at achieving two primary demands: the implementation of uniform employment rules and the regularization of all contractual and irregular employees, including the merger of ATIB-POBIS.
In response to these tensions, a committee of 39 members was established on August 1, 2024, to address various issues, including the reform of the rural electricity system. However, the committee has faced challenges due to the REB’s alleged lack of cooperation with government reform initiatives, including missing meetings and failing to present necessary proposals.
The situation escalated over recent months with multiple protests, including a long march to the REB and a series of mass letter campaigns. In October 2024, several individuals were arrested, and the dismissal of key officers heightened the conflict. Those facing termination include Rajan Kumar Das, an Assistant General Manager; Md. Asaduzzaman Bhuiyan and Deepak Kumar Singh, both Deputy General Managers; Monir Hossain, also an Assistant General Manager; and Md. Zakir Hossain, a Chief General Manager.
Additional dismissals included Md. Humayun Kabir, another General Manager; Abu Salam Javed, an Inspector of Wiring; and DGM Md. Rahat. Other officials affected are Abdul Hakeem, Md. Salah Uddin, and Md. Hasanuzzaman, a Junior Engineer. The terminations also impacted Chief General Managers Md. Mokbul Hossain, Md. Mashfiqul Islam, and Zulfikar, along with other General Managers and Deputy General Managers, including Md. Abul Hasan, Md. Belal Hossain, Md. Zahidul Islam, Mohammad Abdul Jalil Miah, Yashir Arafat, and Samiul Kabir.
Abdul Hakim, AGM and Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Movement of Palli Bidyut Samity, along with other leaders, issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of the REB Chairman within 24 hours and the withdrawal of the case against the dismissed officials. They warned that failure to comply would lead to a massive march to Dhaka involving 45,000 officers and employees.
The leaders emphasized the need for a sustainable and equitable distribution system to ensure safe and uninterrupted electricity supply for 140 million people, calling for an end to discrimination against Palli Bidyut Samity staff.
The situation remains tense as the REB and Palli Bidyut Samity navigate this critical juncture in the pursuit of labor rights and systemic reform.
