Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today apologised over a bogus electricity bill of 507 crore taka issued for the consumption of 235 units in Magura.

The minister also ordered the immediate suspension of Md Mahitul Islam, the General Manager (GM) of Magura Palli Bidyut Samity over alleged gross and unacceptable negligence in the discharge of his official duties.

The suspension was ordered immediately after the incident came to the minister’s attention through the media and social media, according to a ministry press release.

The minister expressed deep concern and regret over the issuance of the bogus electricity bill to a residential customer in Magura, the press release said.

It said the suspended GM would not discharge his duties, while the Palli Bidyut Samity Board would take disciplinary action following an urgent directive from the minister.

The minister personally contacted the affected customer by phone. During the conversation, Iqbal sincerely apologised to the customer for the unfortunate incident and the temporary mental distress and anxiety it caused.

The minister also assured the customer that the bill has already been corrected and a revised bill has been delivered.

He urged the customer to inform the authorities directly if any such problem occurs in the future.

According to media reports, a bill of 506 crore 83 lakh 11 thousand 593 taka was issued for September 2026 in the name of Aleya Khatun, wife of retired teacher Shahidul Islam of Kechuadubi village under Magura Sadar upazila’s Moghi Union, for the consumption of 235 units of electricity.

After being informed about the matter, the minister immediately ordered an investigation.

A preliminary investigation found that the extraordinarily high bill was generated due to a mechanical error during meter replacement, when the digits of the meter seal number were inadvertently entered in the demand charge field.

Following confirmation of the incident in the preliminary investigation, the minister also ordered strict departmental and disciplinary action against other officers and employees found to be involved.

The minister said the government is committed to ensuring a people-friendly and service-oriented administration.