REB services deteriorate

Expressing concern over the deteriorating services of Rural Electrification Board (REB), State Minister for Power and Energy Enamul Haq yesterday said this happens as the present management of the utility body has become more bureaucratic than public service oriented.
This bureaucratic mentality of the management of the state-owned REB deteriorates its services, he said while addressing a workshop titled "Strengthening of Rural Electrification Board to achieve vision 2021" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
Enamul Haq, who once served as the REB chairman, said, “In the past, REB top officials were always busy serving the rural grassroots people. People had easy access to the top… but now it has become rare for an ordinary people to get an audience with the REB bosses.”
He said once REB was the best development model but now it is losing its bright image.
He directed the authorities concerned to find out ways to improve the REB services and restore the past glory of the organisation.
The state minister's comments came at a time when allegations are rife about the deteriorating services of the REB, which prompted a thought that the operations of REB and its cooperatives should be squeezed.
However, opposing such an idea, Enamul Haq said the PBS (rural electricity cooperatives) has been a proven and best-adopted system in the country to reach electricity to the rural people.
The REB operates its power distribution services to rural areas through cooperatives, which are formed and run by the participation of the local consumers.
“There might be some changes in the system for strengthening the REB and its PBSs. But this system should continue,” he told the function.
Power Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, PDB Chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir, Janata Bank Chairman Prof Abul Barakat and World Bank energy expert Malcom Cofgrove Gavies also spoke at the function presided over by REB Chairman Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam.
The Power Secretary proposed to form a high level committee headed by a joint secretary of the power division to review REB operations and adopt recommendations for further improvement of its services and operations.