28% load-shedding hits Gazipur, disrupts life and industry

Gazipur is facing around 28% load-shedding amid
a severe power shortfall today (19 April), disrupting daily life and hampering
production in one of the country's main industrial hubs during an ongoing
heatwave.
According to Gazipur Palli Bidyut Samity-1,
total demand stood at 485MW until 12pm, while supply was only 349MW, forcing
136MW (28.04%) load-shedding across the district.
In the Kadda grid area, demand was 215MW against
a supply of 85MW, leaving a 37MW shortfall and causing prolonged outages. Tongi
grid faced a 10MW deficit, with 60MW demand against 50MW supply.
Joydebpur grid recorded a 37MW shortfall, with
demand at 122MW and supply at 85MW. In the Kabirpur grid, which covers
industrial zones, supply was 15MW against 32MW demand, creating a 17MW deficit
that severely affected both residents and factories.
Other grids also reported shortages. In
Ghorashal, demand was 20MW but only 15MW was supplied, leaving a 5MW gap. In
Rajabari, supply stood at just 3MW against a demand of 8MW, creating a 5MW
deficit.
In Pubail, 28MW was needed, but only 20MW was
available, causing an 8MW shortfall. These gaps have led to continued
load-shedding in those areas.
Industrial areas in Gazipur city, Tongi,
Konabari, Kaliakair and Sreepur are under pressure, with export-oriented
garment factories facing uncertainty over timely shipments.
Nasir Uddin, managing director of Sadma Group,
said, "Industrial production is nearly stalled due to fuel shortages and
the severe power crisis. With Eid ahead, we are uncertain about timely exports.
It has created a major crisis before paying workers' salaries and
bonuses."
Residents said the heat has made outages
unbearable. Bulbul from Madhabbari said, "It is difficult to stay indoors.
Without fans, we cannot keep doors open due to mosquitoes. We want relief from
this suffering."
Morshedur Rahim, deputy general manager
(technical) of Gazipur Palli Bidyut Samity-1, said the demand-supply gap has
created serious challenges. "We have even turned off office ACs to save
power. Despite public anger, we are trying to ensure services and urge
customers to remain patient," he added.
















