Life for around 1 million residents across villages, markets, businesses, and homes in Kaliakair, Gazipur, has come to a standstill due to an acute power crisis. Power cuts now average 8 to 9 hours daily during both day and night, while rural areas face even worse conditions, receiving electricity for only 4 to 5 hours in a 24-hour period.
According to Palli Bidyut Samiti-1 and the Power Development Board (PDB), the daily electricity demand in the upazila is approximately 200 MW. Garments and textile factories in areas like Mouchak, Telirchala, Chandra, Hortokitola, Amtala, and Myone Intersection account for over 120 MW of this demand. However, due to national grid shortages and generation shortfalls, the upazila receives only 60 to 70 MW. This massive deficit has crippled industries, agriculture, healthcare, construction, and daily routines. The Executive Engineer of Kaliakair PDB confirmed that since they are receiving only 50 percent of the required power, supply is being managed through severe rationing.
A harrowing scene was witnessed on Friday morning at the 50-bed Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex. Admitted patients and their relatives were seen desperately fanning themselves with hand fans and paper files in the oppressive heat. Medical Officer Dr. Sadia Tansim Akter Munmun reported that load shedding has paralyzed the emergency department. Surgical procedures, including C-sections for pregnant women, nebulizers, ICU oxygen concentrators, X-rays, and pathological tests, are severely disrupted. Due to fuel shortages, the hospital's backup generator cannot be operated beyond limited intervals.
Meanwhile, production has dropped by half in over a hundred readymade garment factories in Mouchak and Chandra. Local leaders from the BGMEA expressed grave concern, warning that if power and gas supplies are not restored promptly, export orders worth millions of dollars will be canceled, potentially leading to mass worker layoffs.
In addition, Aman rice farmers are unable to irrigate fields as deep tubewells and pumps remain inoperative, while households face a severe shortage of drinking water. Local business owners reported that closed computer labs and shops, combined with pitch-black streets at night, have led to a surge in muggings and thefts.
Frustrated by the extreme suffering, the Kaliakair Upazila Citizens' Committee and various trade associations have demanded swift government intervention to normalize the power supply. They warned that if the situation is not rectified immediately, strict protest programs and road blockades will be enforced.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Shakil Hossain, Kaliakair (Gazipur) Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
