Pabna, Sept 12 (V7N) – Officials and employees of Pabna Palli Bidyut Samiti-1 have launched a mass leave program, joining a nationwide movement to press home four-point demands, raising concerns over disruption in electricity services.

According to movement leaders, out of 510 officers and employees under the Samiti, 310 are currently on leave. The program began Wednesday morning, covering service areas across Chatmohar, Bhangura, Faridpur, Atgharia, Ishwardi, and Pabna Sadar, which together serve nearly 380,000 consumers.

The officials demand the implementation of recommendations by government-formed committees on power sector reforms, reinstatement of suspended employees, regularization of contract workers, defined working hours for line crews, and administrative action against corruption within the Rural Electrification Board (REB).

On Thursday, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Mofizul Islam held a meeting with the protesting officials, urging them to ensure uninterrupted service and promising to forward their demands to the ministry. Meanwhile, General Manager Abdullah Al Amin Chowdhury stated that despite workforce shortages, efforts were underway to maintain customer service, with a key meeting scheduled at the ministry to discuss the crisis.

Movement representatives allege that since August 17, over 170 officials nationwide have faced suspensions, dismissals, or transfers as retaliation. They warned that responsibility for any service disruption would rest with REB, not the protesting workers.

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