Severe power load-shedding: electricity office seeks police security

Normal life in Gopalganj town has been severely disrupted due to intense load-shedding, with consumers enduring extreme suffering from scorching heat as electricity remains cut off for nearly 17 out of 24 hours. Amidst this situation, the West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) has sent a letter to the Superintendent of Police requesting security for its offices, substations, and personnel, fearing attacks from angry consumers.

The letter requesting security was issued and signed by WZPDCL's Gopalganj Executive Engineer Md. Main Uddin on Tuesday (August 11).

According to the letter, electricity is supplied to the Gopalganj municipality area through the WZPDCL power house, the Gopalganj office campus, and two 33/11 KV substations located in Charpathalia. Due to a current decline in power generation and receiving allocations lower than demand from the national grid, frequent load-shedding has become necessary in the Gopalganj electricity supply area.

The letter noted that as this disrupts normal power supply, it is likely to generate dissatisfaction and anger among consumers. It further mentioned that discontented individuals or the public could potentially engage in unexpected behavior or other untoward incidents targeting offices, electrical installations, and officials or employees over the electricity situation.

To prevent sabotage under these circumstances, the company requested increased security for all WZPDCL installations and 33/11 KV substations, bringing them under regular police patrols, and maintaining special surveillance on the law and order situation.

WZPDCL Executive Engineer Md. Main Uddin stated that they sent a letter to the District Superintendent of Police seeking security for their office and all officials and employees. He mentioned that load-shedding has been occurring in the town for quite some time because electricity generation has fallen short of demand.

He further explained that where their demand is 18 megawatts, they are receiving an allocation of only 9 to 10 megawatts, resulting in frequent load-shedding and immense suffering for consumers. Expressing concern that angry consumers might attack their office and substations, he confirmed they sought security from the Superintendent of Police.

District Superintendent of Police Md. Habibullah stated that he had not yet received the letter, but would order necessary measures upon receiving it.