JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, June 21: Severe electricity shortages and frequent load shedding in Jaldhaka Upazila of Nilphamari have disrupted daily life, with residents reportedly receiving barely half of their electricity demand over the past several days.
Locals said prolonged power cuts�"lasting 14 to 15 hours a day in many areas�"have made life unbearable amid intense heat, affecting households, businesses, offices and educational institutions across the upazila.
Residents said frequent outages have hit small shops and businesses hard, forcing many traders to close early due to poor sales during power cuts.
Office and institutional activities have also been disrupted, with banking services among the worst affected. Students are struggling to study at night due to irregular electricity supply, locals said.
Jaldhaka Upazila comprises 11 unions and one municipality, where nearly four lakh people are facing acute hardship due to the crisis.
Students including Abir, Siam and Aruna Akter said uninterrupted study has become impossible, affecting their academic preparation.
Residents also expressed frustration over late-night outages. Jannatul Ferdous, a resident of Gabrol Village under Kaimari Union, said frequent night-time cuts are especially difficult for families with children.
Golmunda Fazil Madrasa Principal Maulana Tojammel Hossain said repeated outages have damaged equipment, including two halogen lights and a water motor, causing losses worth around Tk 40,000. He also said student attendance has declined due to unbearable heat.
Sumi Roy of Purba Khutamara Village alleged that power disruption caused major losses at her poultry farm, claiming around 1,000 broiler chicks died due to failure in brooding management.
Residents said although the area has no major industries, power cuts occur 8�"10 times daily, while electricity bills continue to rise. They also alleged strict disconnection rules despite the crisis.
Jaldhaka Palli Bidyut Samity officials said supply is far below demand and whatever electricity is available is being distributed accordingly.
Deputy General Manager (DGM) Mehedi Hasan said, “We are distributing whatever electricity we receive. We have no control over the shortage.”
He added that the issue is at the government level and said he could not confirm when the situation would improve.
