Power and Fuel Crisis Deepens Public Suffering; Protest Slogan Gains Ground— “Give us fuel, give us electricity, or step down”

Widespread power and fuel shortages across Bangladesh are intensifying public frustration and hardship. Prolonged load shedding, disrupted irrigation, setbacks in industrial production, and obstacles to students’ studies have made daily life increasingly difficult. In this context, a protest slogan has been gaining traction both online and on the streets: “Give us fuel, give us electricity, or step down.”

Over the past two months, residents in many parts of the country have reported extended power outages. In rural areas, people say they are facing 10 to 14 hours of load shedding daily. Urban areas are also struggling, with frequent outages disrupting normal life.

There are also inconsistencies in official data regarding the power shortfall. Power Grid sources estimate a deficit of around 1,900 megawatts, while the Rural Electrification Board puts the figure closer to 3,000 megawatts. These conflicting numbers have raised concerns about transparency and coordination among government agencies.

Although the country has more than 130 power plants with a total generation capacity exceeding 29,000 megawatts, many are not operating at full capacity due to fuel shortages. Officials point to rising furnace oil prices as a key reason for reduced generation. As a result, a significant gap has emerged between supply and demand, especially during the summer when electricity needs surge.

The impact is being felt across multiple sectors. In Meherpur, an SSC examinee reported struggling to study due to constant power cuts. Farmers in Brahmanbaria say they cannot irrigate their fields, putting crops at risk. In Narayanganj, garment factory owners fear delays in order deliveries, which could lead to cancellations by international buyers.

Energy experts warn that the situation could worsen in the coming months. As heatwaves increase, electricity demand will rise further, but there are no clear signs of a corresponding increase in supply.

Analysts are also questioning the gap between official statements and the reality on the ground. They stress that transparency about the crisis and effective planning are now crucial.

Overall, the power and fuel crisis is no longer confined to one sector—it is affecting the economy, agriculture, industry, and education alike. Without urgent action, public suffering is expected to intensify further.