Ghost bill of Tk 5.07 billion
Magura Palli Bidyut GM suspended, minister expresses regret
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. Photo: Agamir Somoy
The General Manager (GM) of Magura Palli Bidyut Samity, Mohitul Islam, has been temporarily suspended over allegations of generating a ghost bill of nearly Tk 5.07 billion for 235 units of electricity used under a residential connection.
The Rural Electrification Board (REB) took the disciplinary action after finding evidence of serious negligence in his duties.
Meanwhile, after the incident spread on social media and in the media, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood spoke to the affected customer over the phone on Wednesday. During the phone call, he expressed deep regret over the unexpected incident and assured the affected family of necessary support.
According to the Power Division, a September electricity bill of Tk 5,068,311,593 was issued to Aleya Khatun, wife of retired teacher Shahidul Islam from Kechuadubi village in Magura Sadar upazila. The electricity consumption was only 235 units.
The affected customer became frightened after seeing the unusual bill, causing widespread concern in the area.
After learning about the incident, the power minister immediately ordered an investigation. The preliminary investigation found that due to mechanical negligence during the replacement of the meter, the digits of the seal number were mistakenly entered in the demand charge field of the bill. This resulted in the generation of the huge erroneous bill.
The investigation found preliminary evidence of negligence. Following the power minister's urgent directive, the GM of the samity was immediately suspended. The process of taking strict departmental action against other officials and employees involved including suspension is underway.
During his phone conversation with the affected customer, the power minister said the bill had already been corrected and a revised copy had been delivered to the customer.
He said, “The current government is committed to ensuring people friendly services. Such unexpected suffering is in no way acceptable.”
The minister urged customers to directly inform the authorities of any problems in the future.
