General public hostage again: decision to increase electricity prices by 6.96 percent

The Dhaka Times Desk Electricity prices have been increased by an average of 6.96 percent. Meanwhile, political parties including BNP have expressed strong anger and protest.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) said yesterday that this increased price will be implemented from March 1.

According to BERC sources, in case of increase in electricity price, the price will not increase in the case of those who use up to 50 units of residential electricity. Again, the price of electricity used for irrigation will not increase.

Earlier, a public hearing was held at the BERC building in Karwan Bazar from March 4 to March 6 regarding the increase in electricity prices.

Meanwhile, several political parties, including BNP, have protested against the increase in electricity prices. BNP has announced a protest march today.

It should be noted that electricity prices were increased only three months after the new government assumed office in January. Even during the last government of Awami League, the price of electricity was increased in 11 steps at the retail and wholesale level. Retail electricity prices were last hiked by 15 percent and wholesale prices by 17 percent in September 2012.