GURUDASPUR, NATORE, June 16: Frequent and prolonged electricity outages have severely disrupted daily life in Gurudaspur Upazila, leaving residents of the area increasingly frustrated.
Locals say power cuts have become a routine occurrence, with electricity supply remaining suspended for hours in the name of national grid upgrades, SCADA operations, line maintenance and removal of hazardous trees. They also allege that power is often cut even when there is cloud cover or light rain.
As a result, students, farmers, traders and patients are facing serious difficulties, with many areas experiencing outages lasting three to four hours at a time. The disruption has affected education, agriculture, business activities and everyday life, particularly during the ongoing hot weather.
During visits to different areas of the upazila, it was found that electricity supply is frequently interrupted both day and night. Children, elderly people and patients have been among the worst affected.
An ICT teacher at Gurudaspur Rozi Mozammel Women’s College said modern education is increasingly dependent on technology and online learning.
“Frequent power outages are negatively affecting students’ academic activities, especially those preparing for examinations,” he said.
Marufa Eti, a class XI student, said she struggles to maintain her study routine due to unpredictable power cuts at night.
“Sometimes there is no electricity for hours, and we cannot plan our studies properly,” she said.
Relatives of patients at Gurudaspur Upazila Health Complex said power disruptions have worsened suffering inside healthcare facilities, particularly for children, elderly and critically ill patients, while also hampering emergency services.
Farmer Rezaul Karim of Biaghati village said irrigation has been seriously affected during the peak farming season.
“When there is no electricity, we cannot supply water to our fields on time. This is causing crop damage and financial loss,” he said.
Local resident Zakir Hossain expressed frustration, saying power outages occur even without any adverse weather conditions.
“I called the emergency number nearly 30 times, but it was always busy. The customer service situation is very disappointing,” he said.
Local businesspeople and small industrial operators also said production has been severely affected, forcing delays in deliveries and increasing operational costs.
Officials at the Gurudaspur zonal office of Natore Palli Bidyut Samity-2 said the outages are due to national grid development work, SCADA operations, maintenance activities, removal of hazardous trees and adverse weather conditions.
“These steps are being taken to ensure better and uninterrupted service in the future. We expect the situation to improve once the ongoing work is completed,” said the deputy general manager.
Natore-4 (Gurudaspur-Baraigram) MP Abdul Aziz said he is aware of the situation and is in contact with the relevant authorities.
“Necessary steps will be taken to ensure stable electricity supply after completing ongoing development and maintenance work,” he said.
However, residents say they are unsure how long they will have to continue facing such disruption, stressing that uninterrupted electricity is a basic necessity in the digital age, not a luxury. They have demanded urgent and lasting solutions, warning that public anger could intensify if the situation persists.
