A syndicate is reportedly dominating Meherpur Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS), raising serious concern regarding widespread corruption and irregularities. Allegations center on contractor Mozammel Hossain, alleged to operate under the patronage of current General Manager (GM) Swadesh Kumar Ghosh, manipulating electricity services through a network of brokers.
Investigation reveals that Mozammel gained influence by marrying employee of PBS Shahinur Khatun, and allegedly used her access to make a vast broker network. This syndicate reportedly engages in illicit practices including selling government-issued transformers, granting illegal connections, rigging electricity billing and demanding bribes for pole installations.
Local farmers like Sahadul and Milon from Karamdi village claim they were extorted for over Tk 625,000 for electricity connections—services meant to be provided free under government programmes. Victims allege that despite state subsidies, syndicate interference prevents fair access to essential utilities. The local farmers further allege that recruitment in PBS has become a commercial matter, with key positions reportedly sold for many through broker involvement. Fake agricultural vouchers, manipulated ACRs, strategic bank deposit shifts and remote transfers of staff in exchange for bribes are among the claims. Adding to the controversy, a recent scandal involving videos of PBS staff allegedly resulted in the GM demanding Tk 2 million in exchange for job protection. Tensions between the GM and board directors are said to be growing amid these accusations. When Mozammel had been phoned , he did not response.
When asked, GM Swadesh Kumar Ghosh said, “Investigations are ongoing. If any allegations are proven, legal action will follow.”
