The newly formed Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) could not start functioning from Friday as per schedule. According to the condition of World Bank. DESA was supposed to work as an independent organisation from the first day of February this year.

A high level source told the Star that the launching of DESA might be deferred for sonic time for which the authorities have started negotiat-

ing with the donors. They have also discussed the Issue with the political leadership of the country.

Dhaka Electric Supply (DES), a subsidiary of Power Development Board (PDB). has been performing the task of distributing electricity to the consumers In the greater Dhaka district Including the metropolitan area.

World Bank was insisting on separating DES from PDB for Improving its overall performance and finally pul forward the condition with the deadline- which expired yesterday rhe donors categortcahy wild the financial assistance to PDB would be stopped if this condition along wtth others were not met-

Meanwhile: dlffcreni track-unions of FOB employees OP posed the creation of D£AA and threatoond to-go on Strike If It starts functioning. A group of angry workers has already locked the head office of DESA located at Gulshan on Dcrem-ber ♦ which stfll remains closed-

The concerned authorities have already explained the situation tb the donors and sought mere Urac to tolve the problem. It is reliably learnt that the donors -have taken lenient view considering the po ll tical situation of the country. The issue is Hkety to be settled after the February 27 elections.