Rajshahi erupts in protest over NESCO's planned move to Bogura
A proposal to move the Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited (NESCO) headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura has triggered strong opposition in the region. State minister Mir Shahe Alam suggested the relocation in a demi-official letter to the power minister, arguing it would improve efficiency and resolve operational challenges.
NESCO began operations in 2016 after taking over assets and liabilities from the Bangladesh Power Development Board. It currently supplies electricity to urban areas and upazila towns across 16 districts in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions through 60 sales and distribution units. Since its establishment, no changes have been made to its service area.
The relocation plan became public recently, prompting immediate backlash. Around 100 protesters, including BNP leaders and activists, formed a human chain in Rajshahi's Hetemkha area under the banner People from all walks of life of Rajshahi. Speakers at the event accused a vested group of conspiring to shift the headquarters and demanded the government retain it in Rajshahi.
Critics argue that moving the office would harm Rajshahi's economy and employment. Shamsul Hossain Milu, a local BNP leader, stated that Rajshahi already has the necessary infrastructure, while Bogura would require costly new facilities. The power division has since formed a committee to assess the proposal's feasibility, with a report expected within a month.
The proposed relocation has raised concerns over financial costs and economic impact. The government's next steps will depend on the committee's findings, which are due in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, opposition groups continue to push for the headquarters to remain in Rajshahi.
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