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RAJSHAHI, Apr 28: Persistent power outages under the impact of ongoing heat wave have disrupted normal public life in Rajshahi, creating severe discomfort in both urban and rural areas and affecting agriculture, education, business and daily activities.
According to local power distribution officials, load shedding has increased due to a gap between electricity demand and supply. In rural areas, electricity outages continue from 10 to 12 hours a day.
Officials of the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) said demand has surged due to the intense heat, but insufficient supply from the national grid is causing the crisis.
Data from the Rajshahi Meteorological Office shows that temperatures in recent days have fluctuated between 37°C and 40°C, with the mercury reaching 40°C earlier this week-the highest recorded this season. The absence of rainfall has further worsened soil moisture conditions. The agriculture sector has been among the worst affected. Irrigation-dependent Boro paddy cultivation is facing disruptions as frequent power cuts are halting irrigation pumps.
Farmers in Bagmara, Godagari and Tanore upazilas said the interruptions are hampering water supply at a critical stage of crop growth, raising concerns over proper grain formation.
Many farmers are now relying on diesel-powered pumps, significantly increasing production costs.
"If electricity is available for one hour, it remains unavailable for the next two," said Moktar Hossain, a farmer from Godagari. "Irregular irrigation is pushing up costs, making it difficult to ensure profitability."
The situation in urban areas is also alarming. Streets remain largely deserted after midday due to extreme heat and power outages. Rickshaw-pullers, day labourers and small traders are among the worst-affected, as reduced working hours have led to a decline in income. Many are taking shelter under trees or shaded areas to cope with the stress from heat. The education sector is also under pressure. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) candidates are facing difficulties preparing for exams as power outages disrupt study, particularly at night.
Guardians say students are unable to prepare adequately, while excessive heat is also posing health risks.
Business activities have slowed significantly. Restaurants, tea stalls and small shops are struggling to keep essential equipment such as refrigerators and fans operational.
Traders report that sales have dropped sharply, forcing many to close their establishments earlier than usual.
Farhad Molla, a resident of the Binodpur area, said on Satarday afternoon that electricity had already been unavailable for around two to two and a half hours since morning. "We are worried about what will happen in the evening and at night," he said, adding that children and elderly people are suffering the most due to the heat, with an increase in heat-related illnesses.
MahbubUl Islam Bipul, a businessman from the Uposhohor area, said frequent outages during the heat wave have caused significant hardship for his family and affected his business operations.
A NESCO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said electricity supply remains insufficient compared to demand. "The pressure increases further at night when irrigation pumps are in operation," he added.
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