New Dhaka Times: Desk Report
Workers of the Palli Bidyut Samity (PDB) are continuing their movement for the tenth consecutive day, demanding an end to the long-standing crisis between the Rural Electrification Board (REB) and the Palli Bidyut Samity. The sit-in program, which began on May 21 at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, is centered on seven specific demands. However, despite the ongoing protest, demonstrators claim that the government has not taken any visible steps toward resolving the crisis.
Friday (May 30) marked the tenth day of the program. Workers stated that the protest is being carried out peacefully while maintaining uninterrupted electricity service. Braving sun, rain, and storms, employees are gathering daily at the Shaheed Minar. Although workers and employees from 80 Palli Bidyut Samities across the country are involved in the movement while ensuring uninterrupted electricity at the field level, there is still no indication of constructive action from the government.
To maintain the continuity of the movement, the workers announced that on Saturday (May 31), electricity supply will continue as before, but the work stoppage will remain in effect. By 9:00 AM, all mobile numbers of complaint centers will be handed over to the office heads, and the workers will gather at the Shaheed Minar. It was declared that all staff except those at substations will take part in this protest.
According to the demonstrators, “We have taken to the streets with the slogan ‘freedom or death’ to break free from the long-standing exploitation, oppression, and neglect by REB.” They added, “We will not leave the streets until our rightful seven-point demand is fulfilled. If the government continues to delay, then the electricity department and all related authorities must take responsibility for any untoward situation.”