Gaibandha:Electricity consumers and irrigation pump owners demonstrated in Gaibandha on Monday afternoon, calling for the cancellation of prepaid meters and an end to corruption, phantom billing, and frequent load shedding in the local power department.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the protest was organized by the 'Electricity Consumers and Irrigation Pump Owners' Association'. The participants marched through the main streets of Gaibandha town, starting from Masterpara and concluding at the local power office around 4.00pm.
As the demonstration reached the power office, the staff locked the main entrance in an attempt to block the protesters. In response, the protesters broke through the gate, entered the premises, and formed a human chain.
Speakers at the rally demanded the reinstallation of digital meters, legal action against those involved in phantom billing, an immediate halt to frequent load shedding, and a reduction in electricity tariffs. They also called for measures to address irregularities in power generation and distribution, as well as swift action against corrupt officials and middlemen in the electricity department.
The rally was chaired by Anaur Rahman, leader of the Electricity Consumers and Irrigation Pump Owners' Association. Other speakers included Masud Rahman Masud, Md. Hasanur Rahman, Abdur Rahim, Khalilur Rahman, Mst. Bulbuli Begum, Abdul Halim, and Mahbubur Rahman.