The plight of people living in remote char areas of Kurigram, forced to pay electric bills for power that they never receive, exemplifies the deplorable negligence that the marginalised communities face. More than 300 families in chars at Ulipur receive monthly electric bills from the zonal office of Kurigram-Lalmonirhat Palli Bidyut Samity, despite having no access to electricity. In 2021, around 375 families of Char Ghughurmari and Sukherbati, located in Ward 8 of Saheber Alga union, were included in a special programme, reportedly facilitated by local public representatives and Awami League leaders and activists. The initiative provided them with solar panels as part of the project meant to electrify households off the national grid. The programme has, however, largely failed as the solar units have remained non-functional from the outset. The households complain that the solar systems, composed of low-capacity panels, batteries and basic wiring, have either ceased functioning entirely or have never worked.
Before the installation, each family was asked to pay Tk 500鈥�1,000 in instalments. Yet, in only eight to nine months, many, still not receiving electricity, began receiving electric bills. Repeated complaints, as the people say, have gone unattended. No maintenance or inspection has been conducted. Palli Bidyut staff now hand-deliver electric bills each month, yet no official has visited the areas to investigate or repair the faulty solar systems. While Kurigram-Lalmonirhat Palli Bidyut Samity officials have acknowledged the issue and offered to remove the solar panels on request, this does little to address the core problem. The situation now reflects gross negligence of the authorities. Despite the problem persisting for nearly four years, no effective steps have been taken for a resolution. The households have, instead, been unfairly burdened with bills. What is particularly alarming is that the situation in Kurigram is not isolated. In many remote char areas, people remain without electricity. Although both government and non-governmental organisations have taken initiatives to electrify these regions, mostly through solar systems, the absence of maintenance and oversight has rendered many of the projects ineffective.
The authorities should urgently respond to grievances at Ulipur in Kurigram. A thorough investigation should be carried out to establish whether any corrupt practices are linked to the billing. Furthermore, the government should revisit and reform its nationwide electrification efforts, ensuring that all char communities are genuinely brought under electricity coverage, not just on paper, but in reality.