Dhaka, Sept. 8 -- The government has given employees of the Palli Bidyut Samity, who have remained absent from work as part of their ongoing protest, 24 hours to return to their workplaces.

The warning came in a statement issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday.

"Uninterrupted electricity supply is an essential service. Any disruption to this service is a punishable offence under the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act," the ministry said.

It added that the government is actively working to address the demands of Palli Bidyut Samity employees and remains sensitive to the issue.

"All officials and employees engaged in rural power supply, currently absent in the name of mass leave, are directed to rejoin...