State minister seeks to move Nesco headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura; feasibility committee formed

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam has proposed relocating the Northern Electricity Supply Company PLC (Nesco) headquarters from Rajshahi to Bogura. 

He sent an urgent demi-official (DO) letter to the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, requesting immediate consideration.

Following this, the ministry formed a feasibility committee tasked with submitting a report and recommendations within one month. 

The move has sparked concern in Rajshahi, where Nesco's current headquarters is located.

In his 25 February letter, the state minister noted that Nesco's operational area stretches from Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh in the north to Chapainawabganj in the southwest and Pabna in the southeast. 

With the headquarters in Rajshahi, operational tasks in the northern region face delays, affecting overall efficiency. 

He argued that relocating the headquarters to Bogura, situated between Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, would improve operational efficiency.

"Relocating Nesco's head office to Bogura would be a timely and strategic decision for optimal use of state resources, cost savings, administrative mobility, and better customer service. I earnestly request your urgent and positive decision for immediate approval and necessary action," he wrote.

Responding to the letter, on 3 March, Farjana Khanom, deputy secretary of the Power Division's Company Affairs-1 branch, formed a feasibility committee. 

The committee is chaired by Mohammad Sanaul Haque, additional secretary (coordination subdivision) of the Power Division, with a representative from the Power Development Board as a member.

Attempts to reach State Minister Mir Shah Alam and committee chair Mohammad Sanaul Haque for comments were unsuccessful. 

Expressing concern over the move, Rajshahi Rakhhha Shangram Parishad General Secretary Jamat Khan said, "During BNP's rule, many offices were moved from divisional Rajshahi to Bogura. If this happens again, it will be very unfortunate. It will tarnish the government's reputation."

He added, "The power division is rife with corruption. If Nesco moves to Bogura, no one will hold them accountable. We want the headquarters to remain in Rajshahi, the education city. Otherwise, residents may take to the streets."

Nesco Managing Director Moshiur Rahman said, "We have heard such rumours but received no official communication. My officials also have no information. The government will decide."

Deputy Secretary Farjana Khanom said, "Following the DO letter, a committee has been formed to assess feasibility. It will work for a month and submit recommendations, after which a decision will be made."