Power crisis brings Tangail industries to a standstill

TANGAIL, Aug 20: Severe power shortages and frequent load-shedding have disrupted daily life and economic activities across Tangail, badly affecting industries, particularly the handloom sector and poultry farms.

The district's total electricity demand is around 370MW, against a supply of only 223MW, according to officials concerned.

The Power Development Board (PDB) has a demand of around 170MW in the district but receives only 110MW. Meanwhile, the demand under Tangail Palli Bidyut Samity is around 200MW, against a supply of 113MW.

As a result, many areas in the district are experiencing load-shedding every one or two hours throughout the day and night.

The frequent outages have caused severe hardship, particularly amid the intense heat. Children and elderly people are suffering the most as fans and other electrical appliances cannot be used for long periods.

Long outages at night are also disrupting sleep, while water supply, studies and household activities are being affected.

Industries and factories have been hit particularly hard. Frequent power cuts are disrupting production, forcing large factories to run diesel generators. This has sharply increased production costs, while small and medium-sized businesses are struggling to bear the additional fuel expenses.

The district's traditional handloom industry has also suffered. Workers are unable to operate looms for much of the day, reducing production and causing delays in order deliveries. Business owners are facing losses, while many handloom workers are becoming unemployed.

Poultry farms are also suffering as fans and other equipment cannot operate during prolonged outages. Farmers said chickens are dying from excessive heat, while running generators has increased their fuel costs.

Dilip Kumar, Managing Director of ATM Lungi Fabrics Industries, said his factory faces losses whenever power supply is interrupted.

"There is no electricity for five to six hours a day. The government should take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply," he said.

Md Sanowar Hossain, General Manager of Tangail Palli Bidyut Samity, said the district was receiving 113MW against a demand of 200MW.

"Frequent load-shedding is being imposed because of the shortage. The government is working to bring the situation under control," he said.

Obaidul Islam, Supervising Engineer of the Tangail PDB, said the district was receiving less power from the national grid than its demand.

"Temporary load-shedding is necessary because of the lower allocation. We are making every effort to improve the situation and restore normal supply quickly," he said.