Power network remains down for three days in Kurigram

BD Digest Report

Electricity and mobile network have been cut off in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas of Kurigram for almost three consecutive days. Local residents have been suffering immensely due to this. From Saturday (April 25) to 2 pm on Monday (April 27), these two upazilas were virtually cut off from electricity and internet. Although electricity was restored for 45 minutes on Sunday (April 26) night, the supply system collapsed again.

Meanwhile, while mobile networks from one or two SIM companies are available in Roumari, most companies have virtually no network at all.

Local resident Abu Hanif said that for the past few days, electricity has been available for only about one hour during the day and night, and even then it is disconnected occasionally. This means that they are practically deprived of electricity facilities. Even if they use less electricity, they have to pay extra bills at the end of the month.

Arif Hasan said that due to the lack of electricity, the mobile network has also been shut down. I cannot access the internet and the movement of vehicles has also been limited due to the lack of fuel supply for the past 15 days. As the battery-powered easy bikes cannot be charged, there are practically no cars on the road. As a result, even though a few vehicles are running, the fare is being charged several times higher.

Battery-powered autovan driver Rabiul said, “I can’t charge the battery because there is no electricity. I can’t go out with my car. I earn money day by day—now it has become difficult to run a family. Earlier I used to earn 1000 taka, now I can’t earn 150-200 taka.” Meanwhile, SSC candidates and their guardians are in extreme trouble.

Due to lack of electricity, students have to study by candlelight. There is also a crisis in transportation to the examination center. Although a few vehicles are available, the fare is two to three times higher. Today, SSC candidates walked home from the examination center.

Shahidul Islam, an agent of Dutch-Bangla Bank in Charsoulmari Bazar, Roumari, said that internet and WiFi services are down due to a 72-hour power outage. As a result, banking transactions are halted and customers are being deprived of services.

Locals said that there had been severe load shedding for several days. The continuous power outage since Saturday has completely disrupted the internet and network. This has hampered the collection and transmission of news. In addition, the situation has become more complicated as oil pumps have been closed for more than two weeks.

Roumari Upazila Executive Officer (Acting) Rafiur Rahman said, “The issue of power supply and load shedding problems will be reported to higher authorities.”

Rajibpur Upazila Executive Officer (Acting) Sayekul Hasan Khan said that the issue of energy and power crisis has been informed to the concerned authorities and a quick solution is expected.

Jamalpur Rural Electricity Association’s Roumari Zonal Office Deputy General Manager Md. Delwar Hossain could not be reached despite multiple attempts. There was no response even after sending a message on WhatsApp.