Palli Bidyut Samity workers go on work abstention

Officials under the banner of the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association have announced a countrywide work abstention starting today.

They, however, said the emergency power supply would not be affected due to their programme.

Yesterday, they staged a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital for the sixth day, demanding a unified service rule for the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) and the 80 Palli Bidyut Samitys across the country. They also demanded the removal of the chairman of REB.

Other demands include withdrawal of cases filed by REB against dismissed employees and their reinstatement, regularisation of casual jobs such as readers and messengers, an end to "harassing and punitive transfers", fixing of working hours and shift schedules, and formation of an interim board to carry out reform activities.

In a statement, Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association said they want a unified service rule and the merger of the Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) with the Rural Electrification Board (REB), which was decided during the Administrator Conference held under the Cabinet Division in January.

Dhaka University students form a human chain on the campus demanding justice for the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo. Photo: Prabir Das, Star

Yesterday, they demonstrated at the Shaheed Minar for the sixth day, demanding a unified service rule for the Rural Electrification Board and the 80 Palli Bidyut Samities.

However, as no visible progress had been made by May 21, they launched a series of protest programmes with a seven-point demand, it added.

The Labour Wing of the National Citizen Party, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Hefajat-e-Islam, AB Party, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Ganasanghati Andolon, and other professional bodies have expressed solidarity with them, according to the statement.

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain continue protest at Nagar Bhaban, threatening to intensify movement if Ishraque is not sworn-in within the following 24 hours. Photo: Prabir Das, Star

Meanwhile, REB has been circulating public notices to various media outlets, saying the ongoing protests do not represent the 45,000 officials and employees of the 80 Palli Bidyut Samitys.

According to the REB, the protesting group began their demonstrations shortly after the July uprising and held a blackout programme on October 17 with the intention of destabilising the interim government.

Several officials were dismissed following that incident, the REB said.