The fault line in rural electrification

While electricity now reaches even the remotest rural backwaters and chars, long hours of load-shedding are a fact of life in rural Bangladesh. Many hoped that the government would ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at least during the Eid vacation, when demand falls in cities as offices and factories are closed and millions head to villages to celebrate Eid with their near and dear ones. However, in spite of the government's assurance in this regard, long, excruciating hours of power cuts cast a shadow over Eid celebrations in villages.

Recounting his experience, Asad Islam, a private sector employee in Dhaka who travelled to his home district in Patuakhali to celebrate Eid, said the persistent power outages forced him to cut his visit short. He and his family arrived at their home in Dashmina upazila on 18 March, only to be met with prolonged blackouts, at times stretching up to 20 hours. The situation proved particularly difficult for children used to the relative comfort of city life. Moreover, as mobile phones ran out of charge and evenings were lit only by candles, the festive spirit quickly faded. What was meant to be a joyful reunion ultimately turned into an ordeal, forcing the family to return to Dhaka earlier than planned.

What makes the situation more troubling is that, by official accounts, there is no shortage of electricity. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), demand has dropped sharply during the Eid holidays, aided by cooler weather and the closure of factories. Concerns over fuel supply disruptions, including those linked to global tensions, have reportedly had no bearing on power generation.

If supply is adequate, why are the vast swathes of rural Bangladesh then left in darkness? The answer, officials say, lies not in generation -- but in distribution.

Most rural areas fall under the Rural Electrification Board (REB), which serves roughly 80 per cent of the countryside. While generation capacity has expanded impressively over the years, investment in distribution infrastructure has not kept pace. As a result, the rural grid remains fragile and highly vulnerable to disruption. Besides, large stretches of distribution lines run through tree-lines, making them particularly susceptible to damage during storms. Even minor technical faults can trigger prolonged outages. 

The disparity becomes even more apparent when one compares rural and urban responses to outages. In cities, technical faults are typically addressed promptly, and electricity is restored within a short time. In rural areas, however, damaged lines - whether due to storms or technical issues - can leave communities without power for days.

A key reason for this gap is the lack of modern monitoring systems in rural networks. Unlike urban electricity distribution companies, the REB does not have an automated fault detection system to quickly identify problems in supply lines. Instead, it relies largely on reports from villagers. This reactive approach as well as indifference of officials concerned often leads to delays in locating faults and initiating repairs. Consequently, frequent outages and prolonged repair times have become the norm in many rural areas.

Bangladesh's success in expanding electricity coverage is undeniable. But coverage alone cannot be the benchmark of progress. Without substantial investment in modernising the distribution networks across the country, the promise of universal electrification will remain only partially fulfilled. 

Electricity is a basic necessity, not a privilege. So, the rural people have the same right to electricity as those living in cities. In today's world, electricity underpins education, healthcare, communication and economic activity. When rural areas are deprived of this basic necessity, the development gap between urban and rural Bangladesh only widens. The government therefore must ensure equitable access to reliable power for all.