The "Electricity Bill, 2018" was passed in the parliament on Tuesday keeping provision for increased penalty for illegal use of electricity.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid moved the bill in the House, which was passed by voice votes.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was in the chair, according to BSS.
As per new law, a person will face maximum five years in prison along with Tk 500,000 financial penalty for illegal use of electricity
Nasrul said the new bill was proposed for ensuring power generation and quality service, developing the power transmission and distribution system.
The new bill is expected to prevent power pilferage at residential, industrial or commercial areas, he observed.
Nasrul also said, the new bill has been placed annulling the existing Electricity Act, 1910.
As per existing bill, a person is liable to face three-year imprisonment or financial penalty of two times more than the value of the stolen electricity or Tk 50 thousand.
