A Jubo Dal union president has been accused of collecting money from residents for electricity pole installation in Islamapur and South Charpara villages of Mithaganj ইউনিয়ন, Kalapara upazila, Patuakhali. The report, published on August 18, said more than 50 customers alleged that they each paid Tk2,000 to Riaz Sikdar, the Mithaganj Union Jubo Dal president. More than 100 families in the two villages reportedly remain without electricity access.

Residents said pole installation began through a contractor under instructions from Patuakhali-4 lawmaker ABM Mosharraf Hossain. Complainants alleged that money was sought for transporting and installing poles, while another Tk2,000 was requested within a week for meter connections. Several residents said they raised the money by pawning nose ornaments, using farm advances, or cutting household expenses.

Sikdar denied collecting money from customers, though he acknowledged taking some funds for workers' meals. Subcontractor Sumon said money taken through Sikdar had been coordinated with the customers. Kalapara Palli Bidyut Samity DGM Sheikh Abdur Rahman said customers should not be charged for work being carried out under government arrangements and that legal action would follow if allegations of collection were received.