The High Court today has issued a rule asking why it should not be directed to review and monitor electricity billing practices,transparency, and conduct an impartial investigation into complaints related to this, including refunds of excess charges.

The defendants in the case have been asked to respond to this rule.

The rule was issued by a bench of Justice Md. Mostafa Zaman Islam and Justice Masud Hossain Dolon during the hearing of a writ petition related to this matter.

The writ petition was filed by a consumer rights organization.The organization alleged that there are irregularities in electricity billing practices in Bangladesh, and that consumers are being overcharged.

The organization also alleged that there is a lack of transparency in the billing process, and that consumers are not being provided with clear information about how their bills are calculated.

The organization requested the High Court to direct the government to review and monitor electricity billing practices, to ensure transparency, and to conduct an impartial investigation into complaints related to this, including refunds of excess charges.

Advocates Saifullah Mamoon, AM Jamiul Haque Faisal, and Abdullah Al Hadi appeared in court on behalf of the writ petition. They were assisted by Advocates Kamrul Hasan Regan and Md. Zakir Haider.

Prior to this, a legal notice was sent demanding an urgent review and monitoring of electricity billing practices,transparency, refunds for excess charges, communication with the public, and policy reforms. 

The notice was sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Chairman of Power Grid Company of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, Bangladesh Power Development Board, Bangladesh Rural Development Board, DESCO, West Zone Power Distribution Company, Northern Electricity Supply Company, and the authorities of DPDC.

The notice highlights the plight of electricity consumers in Bangladesh, particularly those using prepaid meters. 

Despite the implementation of prepaid meters, consumers continue to face various grievances, including excessive charges, hidden fees, and a lack of transparency. 

These issues have resulted in widespread dissatisfaction and financial hardship among consumers.

The notice emphasizes the urgency of addressing these concerns and calls for immediate action from the relevant authorities. It demands a thorough review and monitoring of electricity billing practices, enhanced transparency, refunds for excess charges, improved communication with the public, and policy reforms.

The notice further emphasizes the government's commitment to universal prepaid metering by 2025. However, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by consumers, despite the adoption of prepaid meters.

To address these grievances, the notice sets a deadline of May 26th for the authorities to take necessary action. It warns of potential legal recourse if no satisfactory response is received.