Mass Protest Forces Temporary Halt on NESCO Prepaid Meter Installation in Phulbari

A mass movement erupted in Phulbari, Dinajpur, fueled by the anger of electricity consumers over the abrupt installation of Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) prepaid meters.

Consumers, who argue the prepaid meters cause significant inconvenience and represent a "looting project" left by the previous government, escalated their protests after NESCO officials began installations without further discussion, contradicting an earlier decision to hold more talks. Movement leaders and more than a hundred consumers subsequently appealed directly to the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO).

Responding to the widespread agitation, Upazila Executive Officer Ishaq Ali announced a temporary suspension of the prepaid meter installation work on Wednesday afternoon. The UNO stated that a final decision would be made only after further discussions with both the electricity consumers and NESCO authorities.

Meanwhile, leaders of the protest, including SM Nuruzzaman and Nishad Chowdhury, warned that any attempt to forcibly install the meters could ignite a mass movement comparable to the 2006 Phulbari protest. NESCO's Resident Engineer, Alefur Rahman, confirmed that the utility is merely working to implement a government decision and has informed NESCO authorities of the public’s concerns.