Massive irregularities and corruption have reportedly gripped the Ukhiya Upazila Palli Bidyut Samity, with allegations of illegal power connections and widespread bribery involving officials and brokers.
Local residents alleged that Samity officials and their associates provide unauthorised electricity connections in exchange for large sums of money. However, Deputy General Manager (DGM) Kaiser Noor of the Palli Bidyut Samity denied the allegations.
Deputy General Manager (DGM) Kaiser Noor of the Palli Bidyut Samity said, “We provide connections following proper procedures. The existing lines are old. A joint operation will soon be conducted to identify and remove illegal connections,” he said.
According to the Forest Department sources, more than 2,000 illegal connections have been installed on government forest land without permission.
These unauthorised connections have caused extensive damage to forest areas and are threatening local wildlife in Harinmara, Douchhari, Madhurchhara, Thaingkhali, Palangkhali, Marichya, and Ratnapalong. Over the past few years, at least six elephants have reportedly died from electrocution — two of them this year alone.
Due to the illegal connections, frequent faults have been occurring on the 33 kV power line, causing prolonged outages across large parts of the upazila. Sources at the Local office of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) said there were 30 major faults in just the past 10 days, resulting in power cuts lasting 8 to 10 hours daily.
Meanwhile, under the supervision of the Palli Bidyut Samity, outstanding bills totaling about Tk18.50 crore have accumulated over the past 18 months. The list of defaulters reportedly includes several government offices, political figures, and influential individuals.
Residents also complained that ordinary consumers are being forced to pay extra money for new connections. Palli Bidyut Samity Inspector Abul Basar is allegedly charging an additional Tk5,000 to Tk10,000 per connection as bribes.
Despite government restrictions, around 1,500 connections have reportedly been supplied to different blocks of the Rohingya refugee camps, posing further environmental risks.
Mannan, a resident of Kutupalong, said, “Connections are being given even without government permission in exchange for a large amount of money. We were denied a meter because we refused to pay unethical benefits.”
Mir Shahedul Islam Roman Chowdhury, chairman of Rajapalong Union Parishad, emphasised, “It is crucial to immediately cut off illegal connections and take strict action against those involved.”
Ukhiya Forest Range Officer Mohammad Abdul Mannan said he has repeatedly sent official letters requesting the disconnection of illegal forest land connections, but has received no response.