Protest Rally in Nilphamari Demanding Cancellation of Prepaid Meters and Uninterrupted Power Supply.

Mohinul Islam Sujon, Crime Reporter: A protest march and rally was held in Nilphamari on Tuesday demanding uninterrupted electricity supply, cancellation of prepaid electricity meters, and implementation of five-point demands. The demonstration was organized by the Nilphamari District Sramik Oikya Sangram Parishad (Workers’ Unity Struggle Council). Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Electricity Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, urging the authorities to implement the demands. The protest march began from the city’s Boro Traffic Mor on Tuesday (August 11) at noon and ended at the premises of the District Commissioner’s Office, where a protest rally was held. The rally was chaired by Bir Muktijoddha Zainal Abedin, president of the District Sramik Oikya Sangram Parishad. Among others, Mahbubul Alam Tulu, vice-president of the organization; Sirajul Islam Abu, general secretary; Abdul Jalil, former deputy commander of the District Muktijoddha Sangsad; and Alif Siddiqui Pranto, president of the district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressed the rally. The speakers alleged that ordinary people have been suffering severely due to prolonged load-shedding. Frequent power disruptions throughout the day and night are adversely affecting public life, businesses and trade. They said prepaid electricity meters have become a burden for ordinary people. They therefore demanded that uninterrupted electricity supply be ensured immediately and prepaid meters be cancelled. Speaking as the chair, Bir Muktijoddha Zainal Abedin said people have become frustrated with load-shedding. Ordinary people are suffering greatly due to the lack of electricity. Prepaid meters are creating additional financial pressure on consumers. He demanded cancellation of the demand charge and meter rental fees. The memorandum included five demands: ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, cancelling demand charges, stopping meter rental fees, setting a lower electricity tariff for consumption of 50 to 300 units, and reducing the rate of VAT.