State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has ordered the authorities concerned to disconnect all the illegal gas lines within the next two months.
He also directed them to remove any form of infrastructure and establishments built over the gas supply lines.
The state minister gave the directives while addressing a virtual meeting with the authorities of the country’s gas distribution companies on Monday.
“Electricity and gas connections will not be allowed in the areas that are beyond the jurisdiction of the power and energy companies,” he said.
He also told the utility service providers to snap the power and gas connections of those who have violated the rules and regulations in place.
“Irregular activities of a section of government officials are tarnishing the image of politicians and the government,” Nasrul added.
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He suggested that the gas companies first suspend any officials who have been accused of corruption or irregularities, and then launch a probe into the matter.
The state minister instructed the gas companies to make updated lists of the bill defaulters and send those to the ministry.
Stressing that electronic volume corrector (EVC) and pre-paid gas metres are mandatory for all consumers, Nasrul said automation in the power and energy sector was progressing “at a snail’s pace.”
Among others, Energy Division Senior Secretary Md Anisur Rahman and Petrobangla Chairman ABM Abdul Fattah also attended the meeting.
