Dhaka: The government today termed the work stoppage by a section of Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) employees as ‘undesirable’, stating that the protestors do not represent the PBS workforce nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Power Division expressed concerns that some PBS employees are attempting to create instability by using rural electricity reform as a pretext. The division noted that the Bangladesh Rural Electricity Association, which issued a press release that caught the government’s attention, does not legally represent any PBS entity, and that PBS’s dedicated officers and employees are not involved in the movement.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and has formed a committee to review the structural and operational framework of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) and PBSs. This committee, led by BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar, will consult all stakeholders before submitting a report ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Another committee, led by an additional secretary of the Power Division, is examining alleged discrepancies in pay grades and employment status between REB and PBS employees, with a notification expected next week.
The Power Division has advised REB officers and employees to collaborate with PBS employees and reconsider actions taken against samity officers and employees accused of breaching discipline. Investigations are also underway against officers involved in procurement, recruitment, and promotion corruption, with legal action pending upon confirmation of the allegations.
The statement highlighted the risks associated with some PBS employees’ roles and the government’s stance on maintaining age limits and physical fitness for such tasks. Additional benefits for risky work are provided in accordance with the country’s labor laws, recognized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Since August 2024, the government has regularized 6,025 PBS employees, with the process ongoing in the REB. Employee transfers, a routine activity, become applicable after three years in one workplace. However, considering humanitarian aspects, 3,079 PBS employee couples have been permitted to work at the same stations.
Specific allegations have led to court cases against some PBS employees, where the judicial process will determine their innocence. The government expressed hope that the protesting PBS employees would withdraw their agitation and return to work, guided by their responsibilities and the country’s interests.