Protest in Gaibandha Demands Cancellation of Prepaid Meters, Half-Day Strike Announced for November 30
Gaibandha Correspondent
A protest rally, demonstration and memorandum submission were held in Gaibandha on Monday demanding the cancellation of prepaid electricity meters, reinstatement of digital meters and an end to harassment of electricity consumers.
The protesters announced a half-day strike on November 30 if their demands are not met.
Organized by the Gaibandha district unit of the Electricity Consumers and Irrigation Pump Owners Association, the protest procession started from the municipal park area on Monday morning.
It paraded through different streets of the town and ended at the Deputy Commissioner's office.
Following the procession, the protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister through Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner Dr. Moniruzzaman.
Earlier, a protest meeting was held on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office, with Anwar Rahman in the chair. Speakers included Masudur Rahman, convener of the organization's central committee, Abdur Rahim, Abdul Halim, Mahbubur Rahman, Abul Kalam, Rishikesh Barman, Akij Mia, Khalil Mia, Abdur Nur and Shahin Mia, among others.
Speakers alleged that electricity consumers were facing harassment over prepaid meters. They demanded an end to additional charges, including demand charges, meter rental fees and allegedly excessive electricity bills.
Warning of a tougher movement, the speakers said the government must take effective measures by November 20. Otherwise, they would launch a broader movement.
