Palli Bidyut lineman loses job after posting load-shedding videos

A lineman of Palli Bidyut Samity in Madaripur has been relieved of his job after posting videos on social media showing the hardship of customers suffering from frequent load-shedding.

Sumon Hossain, a Grade-II lineman at the Mithapur zone in Bahadurpur union of Madaripur Sadar upazila, said he posted the videos to highlight public frustration over power cuts and to discourage possible attacks on local electricity offices and field-level workers.

Hossain had posted several videos on social media at different times about the country’s power situation and load-shedding. The posts drew attention and criticism before coming to the notice of senior Palli Bidyut officials.

In a written statement following his dismissal, Hossain said reports of attacks, vandalism and assaults on electricity workers had emerged from different parts of the country amid public anger over load-shedding. He said his intention was to raise awareness among customers so that a similar situation would not develop in Mithapur.

However, Madaripur Palli Bidyut General Manager Sushanta Ray said the authority took action after Hossain’s social media posts allegedly caused confusion among customers.

“He was working as a lineman at the Mithapur zone. The authorities came to know about his various videos on load-shedding. He was relieved of his job following allegations that the videos were creating confusion among customers,” Ray said.

The action against Hossain has also drawn attention to the wider power crisis in Madaripur, where residents have reported frequent outages amid intense heat.

Children, elderly and sick people are among those struggling with prolonged power cuts, while students, small businesses, farmers and day labourers are also facing disruptions to their daily activities.

Residents, particularly in rural areas, have complained of irregular power supply and extended outages, leaving households unable to operate essential appliances such as fans, refrigerators and water pumps.