News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today said in Jatiya Sangsad that the government is conducting drives to prevent electricity theft across the country.
He also informed that various initiatives and regular monitoring have significantly reduced illegal electricity consumption, wastage, and misuse.
The minister made the remarks in reply to a starred tabled question placed by independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) in the House.
He said that immediate actions are being taken against illegal electricity usage, including meter tampering, meter bypassing, and unauthorized connections.
“Mobile courts, led by judicial magistrates along with utility personnel, conduct special drives to disconnect such illegal connections and take legal measures against offenders,” he said.
Highlighting various steps taken to curb illegal electricity usage, the minister said special teams have been formed to carry out regular drives, disconnect unauthorized connections, and monitor usage.
Iqbal added that mobile courts are regularly operated by judicial magistrates to impose fines, disconnect illegal lines, and punish offenders under the Electricity Act.
The minister also noted that legal actions are taken not only against illegal users but also against responsible officials if found negligent.
“Meter checking activities and feeder-based monitoring systems have been strengthened, including the installation of AMR (Automated Meter Reading) meters.” he added.
To raise public awareness, the Minister said the government is organizing public hearings, distributing leaflets, and disseminating information through print, electronic, and social media, as well as through mosque imams and other community channels.
Furthermore, he said unusual drops in electricity bills compared to previous months are closely monitored, and conventional postpaid meters are being replaced with digital prepaid or smart meters to ensure transparency and accountability.
