CAB hails govt decision to scrap prepaid meter monthly fee

CAB Consumers Association of Bangladesh

Dhaka, Mar 29— The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on Sunday night welcomed the government’s decision to withdraw the monthly charge on prepaid electricity meters, describing it as a pro-consumer move.

In a statement, CAB Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain congratulated the government for taking the decision in response to long-standing demands from electricity consumers across the country.

He said the monthly meter charge had been a source of discomfort and dissatisfaction among consumers for years, and the decision reflects the government’s responsiveness to public demand. “The move indicates that the current government remains committed to addressing public concerns and will continue to formulate policies and regulations in favour of consumers.”

Nazer also stressed the need for more consumer-friendly policies to ensure better electricity services, adding that scrapping the meter charge is a commendable step in that direction.

At present, prepaid electricity users have to pay a fixed amount every month as ‘meter rent’, which, according to CAB, imposed an additional financial burden despite regular payment of electricity bills.

CAB noted that various civic groups and consumers had long been demanding the withdrawal of what they termed an “unjustified and unreasonable” charge.

CAB expressed hope that the decision would ease monthly electricity expenses to some extent and help reduce public dissatisfaction.

Earlier in the day, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku announced the decision to abolish the prepaid meter monthly fee following widespread criticism and consumer demands.

The minister said dissatisfaction had persisted among users over additional deductions in prepaid systems. After reviewing the issue upon assuming office, the government decided to withdraw the charge as part of a consumer-friendly initiative.

The minister added that steps are being taken to make electricity services more public-oriented and to reduce the financial burden on consumers, and the decision will be implemented soon. - UNB