Published: 11:10 PM, 08 September 2026
Poor Electric Distribution Causes Immense Trouble to Industries
Poor and unreliable electricity distribution has become a serious obstacle to industrial growth in Bangladesh. Frequent load-shedding, voltage fluctuations and inadequate power supply are disrupting production in major industrial areas, increasing operating costs and threatening the competitiveness of Bangladeshi industries in both domestic and international markets.
Industrial units in Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj, Chattogram and other manufacturing hubs depend heavily on a stable electricity supply. However, frequent interruptions force factories to stop their machines repeatedly. In many industrial areas, factories experience several hours of power cuts during working hours. As a result, production falls sharply and factory owners face huge financial losses.
The situation is particularly damaging for export-oriented industries such as garments, textiles, plastics, footwear and dyeing factories. Production processes cannot always be restarted immediately after a power failure. Sudden outages can damage machinery, spoil raw materials and reduce product quality. Voltage fluctuations are also a major concern because sensitive industrial equipment may be damaged by unstable electricity.
Power shortages also increase production costs. When grid electricity becomes unavailable, factory owners have to operate diesel or gas-powered generators. The cost of self-generated electricity is much higher than grid electricity. Consequently, manufacturers face higher costs while their output falls. Small and medium-sized industries suffer even more because they often lack sufficient financial resources to run generators for long periods.
The crisis also affects workers. When production stops, workers remain idle although factory owners still have to pay wages. At the same time, delayed production makes it difficult for exporters to meet delivery deadlines. This may cause Bangladesh to lose foreign buyers and valuable export orders. Business leaders have repeatedly called for reliable power supplies to industrial areas and predictable load-shedding schedules so factories can plan their operations properly.
The government should therefore give immediate attention to strengthening the electricity distribution network. More substations, modern transmission lines, adequate transformers and dedicated industrial feeders should be developed. Authorities should also ensure stable voltage and provide factories with advance information about unavoidable power cuts.
Reliable electricity is essential for industrialisation, employment and economic development. If Bangladesh wants to maintain export growth and attract new investment, ensuring uninterrupted and quality power distribution must be treated as a national priority. The authorities, power agencies and industrial owners should work together to solve the problem before it causes further damage to the country's economy.
