Public suffering has reached extreme levels in the Char Kajal and Char Biswas unions of Patuakhali’s Galachipa upazila due to frequent power outages and low voltage. Locals allege that the power cuts occur up to 26 times within a 24-hour period. Consequently, normal life, business activities, and household chores are being severely disrupted.

Locals complain that they receive electricity for only two to three hours a day, and even that is not uninterrupted. Due to repeated load shedding, valuable electronic appliances, including televisions, refrigerators, and blenders, are getting damaged. At the same time, customer service at various institutions, including banks and NGOs, is being hampered.

Businessman Jewel Howlader said, “Power comes and goes 26 times in 24 hours. Even when there is electricity, the voltage is so low that neither refrigerators nor fans work properly. Our electronic equipment is being ruined by repeated voltage fluctuations. Yet, at the end of the month, our electricity bills are doubled.”

Students and their parents are facing the brunt of the power crisis. Parents report receiving electricity for a maximum of three to four hours throughout the day and night. The lack of power is causing severe disruptions to children’s education. Their studies now rely entirely on rechargeable lights or candles, negatively impacting their preparation for upcoming exams. Furthermore, many children are falling ill due to the excessive heat and unhealthy environment, making it impossible to send them to school regularly.

Jamal Hossain, Headmaster of Char Kajal Secondary School, said, “Due to the lack of electricity, students are finding no relief either at school or at home. Classroom teaching is being severely disrupted by the intense heat. Unable to sleep properly at night, a clear lack of concentration in the students’ studies has become evident.”

Addressing the issue, Joy Prakash Nandi, Deputy General Manager of the Galachipa Palli Bidyut Samiti, acknowledged the validity of the complaints. He stated, “Electricity is supplied to the Char Biswas and Char Kajal areas through an underground line that crosses the river from the Bhola Sadar Grid. Because of the long distance, voltage fluctuations are naturally occurring.”

He further added, “Currently, the construction of a new grid is underway in Char Fasson. Once the grid is completed, the power supply situation in this region will see the desired improvement.”