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.