Report on load shedding

Unbearable Suffering: Massive Load-shedding Paralyzes City Life

Mustafa Kamal, Staff Correspondent, THE DAILY STAR

DHAKA, May 15: Residents of the capital, particularly in the Shyampur and Old Dhaka areas, are grappling with a severe power crisis as massive load-shedding has become a daily nightmare. For the past week, the electricity supply has been erratic at best, with outages occurring every hour and lasting for prolonged periods.

As the summer heat intensifies, the situation has worsened, bringing normal life to a virtual standstill. In areas like Shyampur, Jatrabari, and Jurain, residents reported experiencing load-shedding 10 to 15 times daily, totaling over 12 hours without power.

Impact on Industry and Economy
The prolonged blackouts have dealt a severe blow to the local economy. Production in mills and factories is plummeting. Small business owners and garment factory managers in the industrial belts fear they will miss international shipment deadlines due to the inability to operate machinery.

"We are burning diesel for generators at three times the cost just to keep the lights on, but we cannot run heavy machinery," said a local factory owner. "If this continues, we will face bankruptcy."

Public Suffering and Health Crisis
The misery of the common people knows no bounds. The lack of electricity has triggered a water crisis, as WASA pumps cannot operate without power. Many households have been without running water for days. The elderly and infants are the worst victims of the sweltering heat, with cases of heatstroke and dehydration rising in local clinics.

Education Hampered
Students preparing for their upcoming semester exams are facing immense difficulties. With no lights to study by and no fans to combat the humidity, concentration has become impossible.

"I have my finals next week, but I can barely sit at my desk due to the heat and darkness," shared a disheartened college student from the area.

Security Concerns
Moreover, the blackouts have created a security vacuum. Taking advantage of the pitch-black streets at night, local miscreants and muggers have increased their activities, making it unsafe for pedestrians to commute after sunset.

Urgent Action Needed
Despite repeated complaints to the local power office, no visible improvement has been made. The agitated mob has threatened to besiege the local substation if the supply does not stabilize within 24 hours. The concerned authorities must take immediate and effective steps to upgrade the transmission lines and manage the distribution to avert an unexpected breakdown of law and order.