Corruption and Extortion Allegations Surface Against WZPDCL Officials in Rajbari

Severe allegations of corruption, harassment, and extortion have emerged against officials and staff of the Western Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL) operating in Goalanda, Rajbari, Bangladesh. The reported misconduct involves numerous local individuals and has drawn intense scrutiny regarding the utility's administrative practices. Among those identified in the unfolding situation are Abul Kalam, Rehena Khatun, Abdul Kader, Mo. Jahangir Hossain, Mo. Shamshu, Mo. Mojibor, Abdul Jalil Fakir, Sumon Molla, Ebadullah Mistri, Noyon Sheikh, Rekha Khatun, Mo. Rabiul Islam, Delowar Sek, Mo. Iliyas Shahed, Mo. Mamun Or Rashid, and Mo. Tofazzal Hossain.

Consumers have stepped forward to detail specific grievances concerning billing anomalies and financial exploitation by utility personnel. Abul Kalam, who operates a confectionery shop in Goalanda, Rajbari, highlighted a drastic surge in his household electricity expenses. Explaining his plight, Abul Kalam stated, "Previously, my home electricity bill used to be 600 to 707 Taka, but now my bill comes to over 3,000 Taka. Six months ago, I submitted all necessary documents along with an affidavit according to the rules. Despite visiting the office repeatedly in phases, I have still not been able to convert the connection to residential." Furthermore, affected residents like Rehena Khatun reported bizarre billing fluctuations and unauthorized financial demands, noting that she was asked for 1 Lakh Taka and ultimately paid a bribe of 60,000 Taka without receiving any formal documentation.

The financial exploitation extended further into commercial and residential applications, according to details uncovered by the newspaper Samakal. Abdul Jalil Fakir stated that he paid a bribe of 1 Lakh Taka alongside a 10,000 Taka fee for a new prepaid meter. In another case involving a poultry farm situated at a distance of 2,000 meters, consumers experienced contrasting utility transitions between Palli Bidyut and WZPDCL, where previous bills ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 Taka dropped to 500 to 600 Taka under WZPDCL, though systemic irregularities persisted across the board.

Administrative data reveals the scale of operations during the relevant period. Records show that the WZPDCL Goalanda office provided 348 new connections in the 2025-26 fiscal year. While the government-determined fee for a new connection officially ranges from 2,600 to 3,000 Taka, customers were routinely charged between 10,000 and 11,000 Taka. Additional specific grievances include 8,000 Taka being taken from Noyon Sheikh, while staff members like Sumon Molla downplayed infrastructure dangers, commenting on a hazardous line by stating, "My line is currently risky. However, within a day or two, I will raise it high using bamboo.">

In response to the mounting allegations of widespread extortion and financial malfeasance, WZPDCL official Mo. Tofazzal Hossain defended the administration. Addressing the accusations leveled against the local branch, Mo. Tofazzal Hossain stated, "If I am involved in any irregularity, the higher authorities will investigate and take action." The investigation continues to draw attention from local residents affected by the practices of the power distribution company.