Frequent load shedding has disrupted daily life across the Khulna region, with residents enduring hours-long power outages for the past four days.
The outages are affecting households, mills and factories, businesses, students and online professionals. Children, elderly people and those with illnesses are suffering the most in the hot and humid weather. Several areas are also experiencing water shortages as electric pumps remain idle during power cuts.
Residents said electricity goes out repeatedly during both the day and night, often remaining unavailable for hours.
Mohammad Rakib, sub-assistant engineer of West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd (WZPDCL), said Khulna had a demand of 522MW against a supply of 406MW on August 29, leaving a shortfall of 116MW. Combined demand in the Khulna and Barisal zones was 677MW against a supply of 531MW, resulting in a 146MW deficit, he added.
The situation worsened on Sunday, when total load shedding reached 239MW against demand of 806MW and supply of 567MW. During peak hours, Khulna faced a 169MW shortfall, while Barisal had a 70MW deficit.
On Monday, total load shedding stood at 179MW against demand of 755MW and supply of 576MW. Khulna recorded a 123MW deficit, while Barisal faced a 56MW shortfall.
The situation improved on Tuesday, when total load shedding fell to 66MW. Demand stood at 707MW against supply of 641MW. Khulna had a 27MW deficit and Barisal 39MW.
Shahriar Rabbi, a resident of Labanchara in Khulna city, said electricity went out at least nine times from Saturday afternoon until 3:00 am. “Each outage lasted one to one and a half hours, while electricity remained available for no more than 20 minutes after returning,” he said.
Advocate Qudrat-e-Khuda, president of Khulna district unit of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said load shedding was disrupting industrial production and increasing economic losses.
He called for immediate steps to restore stable power supplies and greater reliance on solar and other renewable energy sources. He also urged incentives for solar equipment and mandatory solar systems in newly constructed buildings above six storeys.
He said electricity consumption by battery-powered easy bikes and autorickshaws should also be regulated to reduce pressure on the national grid.
