Severe power crisis leaves Dhanbari people in distress

 
MADHUPUR, TANGAIL, Aug 8: Frequent load-shedding in Dhanbari Upazila of Tangail has disrupted students’ studies and caused financial losses for businesses, while residents are struggling with the intense heat.

Students are struggling to concentrate on their studies as electricity is often unavailable during study hours. Businesses that rely heavily on electricity are also facing financial losses because they cannot operate normally during prolonged outages.

The power crisis has compounded the suffering of residents already struggling with oppressive heat. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable, while many residents say they are unable to sleep properly at night because of the hot and humid conditions.

Local residents said power is sometimes available continuously for two to two-and-a-half hours, but the total supply averages only around eight hours in a 24-hour period. As a result, people, particularly those living in rural areas, spend a significant portion of the day without electricity.

The frequent outages have had a noticeable impact on education. Students at schools and colleges often find it difficult to study at night because of both the heat and inadequate lighting. Parents are also worried that prolonged disruption to electricity supply is affecting their children’s studies.

Small businesses that depend on electricity are facing similar difficulties. Shops and enterprises cannot operate normally during load-shedding, increasing the risk of losses. Traders who use electrical equipment are among those bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Battery-run easy-bike and van drivers are also struggling. They depend on electricity to charge their batteries and cannot do so regularly because of the outages. Several drivers said their daily earnings have fallen by nearly half as they are unable to keep their vehicles running for the required hours.

Residents have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to improve the electricity supply and reduce load-shedding, particularly during peak hours and at night.

Naimul Hasan, Deputy General Manager of the Dhanbari Palli Bidyut zonal office, said the upazila’s daily electricity demand was 15-16 megawatts.

“Currently, we are receiving only 9-11MW from the grid. As a result, we are being forced to resort to load-shedding,” he said.
Residents said they hope the authorities will take measures to increase supply and provide relief from the prolonged outages, especially during the hot weather.