Utility bill defaulters to face actions: Nasrul Hamid

Mentioning that there is Tk 100.00 billion in arrears as utility bills, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Saturday said actions will be taken against the defaulters.

 “We’ve a total of Tk 100.00 billion in arrears to different consumers. Of them, Tk 40.00 billion is in dues as gas bill while Tk 20.00 billion as oil bill. We’ve Tk 30.00 billion in dues to Biman Bangladesh Airlines alone,” he said while briefing reporters after a workshop at Bidyut Bhaban in the city.

The state minister also said they will go for stern actions against illegal gas connections to households and factories. “We’ll disconnect the lines very soon.”

He said they listened to different allegations raised by various businesses bodies, including Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

Nasrul said they will ensure gas supply round the clock to factories.

He also said they will form a committee with representatives from the government and private sector within two weeks to identify different problems and put forward suggestions to resolve those. “We’ve all the capacities. We’ll take some long- and short-term plans as well.”

Asked whether the government is thinking about hiking electricity tariff, the state minister said they were looking into the matter. “We know the prices of almost all products somewhat depend on our sector. So, we’re thinking whether the electricity tariff will be hiked or not.”

Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury also spoke at the event with Subir Kishore Choudhury, Chairman (Secretary) of Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), in the chair.