Rajshahi, Apr 28 (V7N) - Despite a history of alleged corruption and a prior suspension, Jahirul Islam Liton, a village electrician in Tanore, Rajshahi, and the President of Kamargaon Union Parishad (UP) Swechchhasebak League, has reportedly been reinstated to his position at the Tanore Rural Electricity office. This reinstatement, allegedly orchestrated by the Deputy General Manager (DGM) Rezaul Karim in exchange for financial considerations, has sparked significant public outrage, internal commotion within the Rural Electricity Association, and widespread criticism.

Sources indicate that during the previous Awami League government's tenure, Zahirul Islam Liton allegedly exploited ordinary citizens and embezzled substantial amounts of money. Numerous allegations were leveled against him, including demanding excessive fees for new electricity connections, failing to provide connections despite receiving payment, and extorting money by illegally connecting and disconnecting motorcycle electricity supplies. These irregularities and corruption allegations were even reported by several prominent national television channels and newspapers. Subsequently, an investigation committee reportedly substantiated these claims, leading to Liton's temporary suspension. Following his suspension, Liton allegedly enlisted his brother, Jahangir, to carry out his work.

Further complicating matters, the then-DGM of the Rural Electricity Office, Jahurul Islam, filed a police case against Liton's brother, Jahangir Alam, for allegedly tampering with meter seals and relocating meters without informing the Rural Electricity Office. The police complaint detailed instances where Jahangir's father, Joymatullah, was reportedly involved in the illegal transfer of electric meters for payment across various areas under the Tanore Zonal Office's jurisdiction. Specific examples cited the unauthorized relocation of residential meters belonging to Abdur Rashid and Bader Ali in Dhanora. Such actions are considered punishable offenses under the Electricity Act 2018 for unauthorized electrical installations or equipment modifications.

Despite this backdrop of complaints and the subsequent suspension, the reinstatement of Zahirul Islam Liton on April 10th by the current Tanore DGM Rezaul Karim has raised serious questions. Furthermore, Liton reportedly participated in processions against the Awami League student movement on August 5th. The timing of his reinstatement, particularly after the Awami League leaders faced a period of disarray following August 5th, has fueled further suspicion and demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances. An anonymous source suggested that a Jubo Dal leader from the Choubaria area of Kamargaon UP may have facilitated Liton's reinstatement in exchange for a significant sum of money.

When contacted, Zahirul Islam Liton denied all allegations, claiming he was a victim of a conspiracy and was preoccupied with managing payments at river ghats. He also stated that he is currently not involved in politics.

Multiple attempts to reach Tanore Rural Electricity Director (DGM) Rezaul Karim for comment were unsuccessful.

However, Ramendra Chandra Roy, the Senior General Manager (GM) of Rajshahi Rural Electricity, stated that there is no possibility of a full rehabilitation of the Awami League leader and assured that necessary measures would be taken following a detailed investigation.

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