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SANGSAD BHABAN, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral 
Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today informed the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that 
initiatives are underway to bring all electricity consumers in the country 
under 100 percent prepaid metering.

He said that once full installation of prepaid meters is completed in the 
future, the necessity of meter readers will be eliminated.

The minister said this in reply to a starred tabled question placed by 
opposition member (Jamaat-e-Islami) Md. Abdul Bari Sardar from Rajshahi-4 
constituency in the House today.

With Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood 
said that currently meter readers visit consumers' premises to record meter 
readings, on the basis of which electricity bills are prepared and delivered 
to consumers. Meter reader-cum-messengers perform these duties regularly and 
distribute bills on time, he said.

He also noted that in different regions of the country, readings of postpaid 
meters are being collected through a snapshot method. "Under this system, 
readings are input from photographs of meters, ensuring accuracy in billing," 
he continued.

However, if any complaint is lodged by consumers, it is resolved promptly, he 
added.

The minister further said that if any dishonest meter reader is found to have 
adopted unfair means while taking readings, strict action is taken against 
them in accordance with the rules upon proof.