B Mirror Report : The outgoing interim government has reinstated 46 previously dismissed officials and employees of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB)-run Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS), officials confirmed today.

According to energy ministry sources, the Power Division issued a reinstatement order on February 10 after reviewing applications submitted by the affected staff, who were terminated in 2024 for demanding reforms and the removal of what they described as discriminatory regulations.

Power Division Deputy Secretary Muhammad Anwar Hossain, who signed the order, said the decision was taken following instructions from Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir. He noted that, upon considering the applications, the adviser directed the authorities to restore the employees to their former positions under BREB.

The ministry has already sent an official letter to the BREB chairman to implement the reinstatement directive.

In their appeals, the employees stated that they launched a movement in January 2024 seeking reforms in the rural electricity sector, the elimination of professional discrimination and the introduction of a uniform service code. As part of their campaign, they organised programmes including sit-ins and work stoppages, actions that ultimately led to their dismissal and cancellation of contracts through separate orders.

The applicants sought reinstatement on humanitarian grounds, prompting the government to review and approve their return to service.