DHAKA, May 27, 2025 (BSS) - The government today called “undesirable” the work stoppage of a section of Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS) over the “reforms of rural electrification” saying the protestors do not represent the PBS employees nationwide.

“Some employees of the Palli Biddut Samity are trying to create instability in the country by bringing up the issue of rural electricity reform; as an excuse, which is undesirable,” the Power Division said in a statement.

It said a press release of unregistered Bangladesh Rural Electricity Association drew the government attention while it observed that this so-called outfit does not represent any legal entity of the PBS and its dedicated officers and employees were not involved with their movement.

The government, the statement said, was closely monitoring this movement but took some steps to resolve the situation forming a committee to review the structural and operational framework of Rural Electrification Board (REB) and Palli Bidyut Samitys (PBSs).

It said the committee led by BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar would consult all stakeholders before submitting a report ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

A separate committee led by an additional secretary of Power Division is reviewing alleged discrepancies in pay grades and employment status between REB and PBS employees.

The notification regarding the issue will be published next week.

The Power Division simultaneously advised REB officers and employees to work with a cooperative attitude with the PBS employees.

Instructions were given to reconsider the action taken against officers and employees of the samitys on charges of discipline breaches and spare those who were not involved in sabotage like activities.

The statement said investigation was underway against officers involved in corruption in the procurement, recruitment and promotion process of the REB.

“If the allegations are proven, legal action will be taken against persons concerned,” it said.

The statement said the job of some PBS employees exposed them to risky emergency services and the government felt a certain age limit and physical fitness was needed to be maintained to engage them in such risky works.

They get additional benefits for risky work in line with the country’s existing labour law, which recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Since August 2024, the government regularized 6025 PBS employees and the process is ongoing in the REB.

“Transfer of employees is a routine activity. Any employee becomes eligible for transfer after completing 3 years in any workplace, which is a normal practice,” the statement said.

Besides, it said transfer of employees at Samity level was done through its own process.

But, considering humanitarian aspect, 3079 PBS employee couples working in separate workplaces were allowed to work in same stations.

Based on specific allegations, cases were filed against some PBS employees while their cases were pending in the court.

Accused employees can be proven innocent through the judicial process of the court, as court is independent for considering allegations and trail.

The statement said the government hoped that agitating PBS employees will withdraw their agitation and return to their workplaces in view of these measures.

The government also expected them to be led by their sense of responsibility regarding their duties and keeping in mind the interests of the country.