Published: 09:45 AM, 27 April 2026
Power crisis: Agriculture, industry, and daily life disrupted in Araihazar
A prolonged electricity crisis has severely disrupted life in Araihazar upazila, leaving agriculture, local industries, and ordinary residents struggling to cope with extended power outages.
Residents report that many areas are experiencing electricity cuts lasting 10 to 12 hours daily, while some localities face outages of up to 17-18 hours within a 24-hour period. The situation is particularly dire in unions such as Kalapaharia and Gopaldi, where power supply remains highly irregular.
Farmers are among the hardest hit, as irrigation systems depend heavily on electricity. The ongoing load shedding has made it difficult to water crops on time, raising concerns over potential crop failures. "Without electricity, we cannot ensure proper irrigation. Our paddy fields are at risk," said a local farmer.
The industrial sector is also facing significant setbacks. Factory owners report that frequent power interruptions are halting production and increasing financial losses. "Machines cannot run without electricity. Production has dropped, and losses are mounting every day," said a local businessman.
Meanwhile, the general population continues to suffer. Women, children, and the elderly are enduring extreme discomfort amid the intense heat and prolonged outages. Health issues are reportedly increasing, while students-especially those preparing for public examinations-are struggling to continue their studies without reliable electricity.
Officials from the Rural Electrification Board acknowledged that the crisis stems from a supply shortage compared to growing demand. They stated that efforts are underway to stabilize the situation.
Local residents, however, are urging immediate and effective measures, warning that prolonged disruption could lead to severe damage in agriculture and industry, alongside worsening hardship for the community.
>>Nasir Khan in Araihazar
