Golam Rabbani, Gopalganj:

The ongoing load shedding due to severe power shortage in Gopalganj has caused extreme public suffering. The city residents are fed up with frequent power outages day and night. In such a situation, the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (OZOPDICO) has appealed to the District Superintendent of Police to strengthen security to avoid possible reactions from angry customers and unwanted incidents.

On Tuesday, a letter signed by Md. Main Uddin, Executive Engineer of the Gopalganj Power Supply Department, sought the cooperation of the district police. The letter requested that necessary steps be taken to ensure the safety of the office, sub-center, and officers and employees.

Ojopadiko sources said that the electricity supply in Gopalganj municipal area is mainly operated through two 33/11 kV substations located at Power House Campus and Charpathalia area. But due to the less electricity allocated from the national grid compared to the demand, regular load shedding is being done. As a result, dissatisfaction among the customers is increasing and there is a fear of the situation heating up.

The letter states that due to the prevailing situation, dissatisfied individuals or groups may commit unpleasant acts targeting electricity offices, various electrical installations or officials and employees. To counter such risks, regular police patrols of offices and substations and special monitoring of the law and order situation have been demanded.

Executive Engineer Md. Main Uddin said, although the current electricity demand in Gopalganj is about 18 megawatts, only 9 to 10 megawatts are available from the national grid. As a result, load shedding is being forced in various areas from time to time. This has created anger among customers and has raised concerns about the security of offices and substations. That is why the police administration has been sought for assistance.
District Police Superintendent Md. Habibullah said that he has been informed about the matter.