Bangladesh Goes Dark: 10-Hour Power Cuts, Dhaka Turns to India for Help

Bangladesh faces a severe energy crisis with long power cuts, fuel shortages and rising public anger. The Tarique Rahman government has sought additional diesel supplies from India to tackle the crisis.

Dhaka: Bangladesh is battling one of its worst energy crises in recent years, with widespread power outages disrupting daily life, businesses and industries across the country. Facing a severe shortage of fuel and electricity generation capacity, the government has turned to India for additional diesel supplies.

The crisis has forced authorities to introduce emergency power-saving measures, including early closure of shopping malls, markets and shops.

Rural Bangladesh Faces Long Power Cuts

The impact of the power shortage has been most severe in rural areas, where several regions are witnessing electricity outages lasting up to 8-10 hours.

While national electricity demand remains around 18,000 MW, supply has struggled to cross nearly 13,000 MW, creating a massive gap between requirement and availability.

The ongoing heatwave has further worsened the situation, leaving millions struggling without regular electricity.

Anger Grows as Power Facilities Come Under Attack

The prolonged outages have triggered public frustration in several parts of Bangladesh. Reports of attacks on electricity offices, substations and power infrastructure have emerged from areas including Saidpur, Nilphamari and Kushtia.

Electricity cooperatives have requested police protection for critical installations, fearing further incidents of vandalism and unrest.

Fuel Shortage Behind Bangladesh’s Energy Crisis

The current crisis has been linked to a shortage of natural gas and imported fuel supplies. Bangladesh relies heavily on imported energy resources, with a significant portion of its oil and gas requirements coming from overseas sources.

A fire incident at an LNG terminal operated by US-based Excelerate Energy disrupted supplies, while rough weather delayed the unloading of LNG shipments at terminals.

The decline in gas availability has directly affected power generation capacity.

Industries, Farmers Bear the Biggest Impact

The electricity shortage has hit Bangladesh’s key economic sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, textiles and manufacturing.

Farmers using electric equipment and shrimp cultivators relying on oxygen aerators have reported heavy losses due to repeated power failures. The garment industry, a major contributor to Bangladesh’s economy, has also faced production challenges.

Bangladesh Turns to India for Emergency Support

Amid the worsening crisis, Bangladesh has requested India to increase diesel supplies through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.

Bangladesh Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said Dhaka has sought additional fuel assistance from New Delhi to manage the shortage.

While India has supported Bangladesh’s energy needs in the past, the latest request comes at a time when bilateral relations have witnessed political tensions.

Government Announces Power-Saving Measures

To control electricity consumption, the Bangladesh government has ordered shopping malls, markets and shops to shut by 8 pm. Decorative lighting and illuminated billboards have also been restricted.

Hospitals and essential services have been exempted from the restrictions.

The latest crisis has highlighted Bangladesh’s dependence on imported energy and raised questions over long-term power security as the country struggles to balance rising demand with limited fuel availability.