Extreme Heat and Power Crisis Cripple Life in Sariakandi, Bogra

Sariakandi Upazila in Bogra is facing a severe crisis as frequent electricity load shedding coincides with a period of extreme heat, severely disrupting public life and commerce over the past two weeks.

Public and Health Suffering : The combination of sweltering heat and extended power cuts has made it nearly impossible for residents to stay indoors. Suffering is particularly acute among children, many of whom are falling ill with fever and cough due to excessive sweating and the heat.

While Sariakandi Municipality experiences load shedding for an average of two to three hours, the situation in the surrounding unions is reported to be even worse.

Business and Education Halted: The lack of reliable electricity is hitting the local economy hard. Business losses are significant, as evidenced by one local hardware and carpentry shop owner who reported losing 2,000 to 3,000 taka daily due to power cuts halting work for his 10-12 employees.

Students are also struggling, unable to concentrate on their studies or complete homework due to the heat and darkness. A frustrated local, Jamrul Islam, noted that power is cut 5 to 6 times a day and night, regardless of rain or heat.

Electricity Demand vs. Supply: The Bogra Sariakandi Rural Electricity Association-2 acknowledged the shortfall, attributing it to a spike in demand caused by the intense heat.

• Daytime Demand: 6 megawatts (currently receiving 5 MW).
• Nighttime Demand: 12 megawatts (currently receiving 7-9 MW).

The BREB -2, Deputy General Manager (DGM) expressed hope that sufficient allocation would be secured soon to normalize the power supply. Meanwhile, residents continue to lodge constant complaints with the electricity office, only to find officials overwhelmed by the ongoing crisis.