Eyes pop at electricity bill, Tk 530 crore for 235 units

The Arpara zonal office of Palli Bidyut Samity has issued a bill of Tk 506 crore 83 lakh to a consumer in Sreepur of Magura against the use of 235 units of electricity. Including delayed payment charge, the amount of that bill has stood at Tk 530 crore 96 lakh 59 thousand 764. Anger has erupted among the consumer and locals over this abnormal bill.

This bill for the month of September 2026 has been issued in the name of Aleya Khatun, wife of retired teacher Shahidul Islam of Kechuadubi area under Maghi union.

It is seen in the bill that the consumer used 235 units of electricity in one month. The meter reading was 160 units on August 8 and the current reading stood at 395 units on September 8. Against this, only the demand charge has been fixed at Tk 482 crore 69 lakh 63 thousand 422.

Adding Tk 24 crore 13 lakh 48 thousand 171 as VAT and Tk 10 as meter rent with this, the total bill has stood at Tk 506 crore 83 lakh 11 thousand 593. Including delayed payment charge, the amount of the bill has been shown as Tk 530 crore 96 lakh 59 thousand 764.

However, at the government-determined rate, the bill for using 235 units of electricity should have been about Tk 1 thousand 963. Even after adding delayed payment charge, it should have been about Tk 2 thousand 56.

The aggrieved Aleya Khatun said, “The whims of the electricity department are increasing the anxiety and harassment of consumers. Remedy for such mistakes is urgent.”

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, social worker and health affairs secretary of Magura district Gono Odhikar Parishad, said, “Such an abnormal mistake in the process of preparing electricity bills creates not only financial panic but also administrative harassment. Therefore, ensuring effective monitoring at every step of bill preparation and verification is urgent.”

Deputy General Manager (DGM) of Magura Palli Bidyut Samity’s Arpara zonal office Md. Rezaul Karim has admitted the mistake. He said that during meter change, the digit of the seal number was posted in the demand charge box by mistake. This abnormal bill has been created as a result of this.

Rezaul Karim said that the bill will be corrected quickly and a new bill will be given to the consumer. Administrative measures will be taken against those responsible in this incident subject to investigation.

General Manager of Magura Palli Bidyut Samity Md. Mohitul Islam also admitted the matter and said that this has happened due to a typing error. Necessary administrative measures will be taken in this regard.