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Complaints of extortion in electricity connection


Published : 28 Jan 2022 08:59 PM

In the remote hilly area of Mirsarai in Chittagong, there has been an allegation of charging extra money for electricity connection in Koyla village. The aggrieved people have complained to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer that 90 families in the area are being charged between Tk 2400 and Tk 3000 for electricity connection and if not, they are being threatened.

It is learned that about 900 families live in the remote hilly area of Ward 6 of Kerhat Union of Mirsarai Upazila. Chilo also played a significant role in providing electricity to coal villages which were in darkness at different times. Finally, the process of providing electricity connection to 90 families has been started in the first phase under Chittagong Palli Bidyut Samiti-3. But at the beginning of the process, there were allegations of collecting extra money from these families.

According to the written complaint given to UNO, Saiful Islam, an electrician approved by Chittagong Palli Bidyut Samiti-3 Bariarhat Zonal Office, is collecting Rs. 2400 to Rs. Besides, when the people of the area verbally complained to the president of Chittagong Palli Bidyut Samiti 3 Jabed Iqbal about this, he threatened the people of the area. In this regard, on January 23 on behalf of the coal villagers. Hanif and Mohammad Alamgir two victims UNO said. Minhazur has lodged a written complaint with Rahman.

Nur Mohammad Azam Majumder, General Manager (GM) of Chattogram Palli Bidyut Samiti-3, said the fee for each connection is Tk 400 per kilowatt. If the kilowatt increases, the maximum will increase by 200 Tk. Besides, application fee is 115 Tk and member fee is 50 Tk. There is no chance of taking more than that.

However, Saiful Islam, an electrician, did not answer the phone when he was called more than once on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. 

However, Jabed Iqbal, president of Chittagong Palli Bidyut Samiti 3, said, "It is not true to take 2400 to 3000 Tk. Office expenses are being taken at Tk 965. Besides, a total of Tk 1,500 including the remaining Tk 535 is being taken for rods and cutouts.

Regarding threatening customers, Jabed Iqbal said, ‘No one informed me about this. There is no question of threatening. If anyone can give such evidence, I will resign. '

Jabed Iqbal said, "There are three electricians in the area." We have divided them into 3 areas. '

However, GM of Chittagong Palli Bidyut Samiti 3 Nur Mohammad Azam Majumder said that the issue of wiring is a private matter of the customers. They can do it with any electrician in the power department.

Upazila Executive Officer about the allegations. Minhazur Rahman said, "I have received a complaint in this regard. This issue has also been included in the agenda of the meeting of the Upazila Coordination Committee on January 31. Measures will be taken in consultation with the people's representatives and officials of the power department.