Panchagarh residents block road over 24-hour power outage

Residents of Dhakkamara area in Panchagarh town blocked a road on Monday afternoon, April 6, protesting a power outage lasting more than 24 hours. The blockade at Milgate area started around 1:30 pm and continued for about four hours, halting vehicular movement.

Locals said the prolonged outage during intense heat has caused severe water shortages in homes and halted cooking. Shops and electricity-dependent businesses have also come to a standstill.

The outage began after a line man named Shahin Alam, 35, died from electrocution while repairing a power pole on Sunday afternoon. However, locals claimed electricity had been out since Sunday morning in many areas.

Panchagarh Rural Electricity Deputy General Manager Mazharul Alam said the problem lies with NESCO, not their lines. NESCO sought workers from them after the blockade, and they provided personnel immediately.

Locals have threatened to resume agitation if power supply is not restored quickly.