Severe load shedding in Sylhet causes major disruption to daily life

Sylhet is grappling with extreme load shedding amid soaring temperatures, leaving residents struggling to cope with unbearable conditions.

On Wednesday, the mercury rose to 35.5°C, but electricity supply remained erratic, causing widespread hardship across the city and surrounding areas.

Locals compare the current crisis to electricity shortages from 10–12 years ago, when power outages were intermittent rather than continuous.

Over the past week, the situation has worsened, creating serious challenges for households, businesses, and essential services. Water scarcity has compounded residents’ difficulties, and rural communities are also facing severe hardships.

Officials from the Sylhet Power Development Board’s sales and distribution department have not offered any immediate solution.

According to reliable sources, Sylhet city requires 124 megawatts daily but is receiving only 62 megawatts. Across Sylhet district, the demand is 150 megawatts, while supply is limited to 80 megawatts. In the wider division, demand stands at 230 megawatts, with just 130 megawatts supplied. The shortage has forced residents to endure significant discomfort.

Business owners expressed frustration over the unreliable power.

Matiur Rahman, a trader in Lal Dighirpar, said, “What kind of load shedding is this? Electricity goes and doesn’t come back. How are we supposed to survive like this?” Residents in sub-district towns and villages echoed the same concerns.

Fazlur Rahman from Khagail in Golapganj and Sadek Ahmed from Boro Desh in Beanibazar reported that production has been severely disrupted and businesses are suffering losses.

According to Jarjisur Rahman, Assistant Engineer of the Sylhet Power Development and Distribution Department, gas shortages and other operational challenges are affecting electricity generation. “Once production increases, supply will improve,” he added.

Md Abdul Qadir, Chief Engineer of the Sylhet region PDB, acknowledged that current supply falls short of demand due to production issues. However, he indicated that the situation may improve by the end of the month.