Ten-Hour Power Outage Planned Across Parts of Sylhet

Residents and businesses in several key areas of Sylhet are being advised to prepare for a planned power outage lasting up to ten hours on Thursday, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The temporary suspension of electricity supply forms part of essential maintenance and infrastructure improvement works aimed at ensuring safer and more reliable power distribution in the city.

According to BPDB officials, the outage will take place on Thursday, 18 December, from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm. During this period, electricity supply will remain completely suspended in areas served by the 11 kV Dhopagul feeder. The planned shutdown is necessary to facilitate a range of technical operations, including transformer repair and preservation, upgrading of transmission lines, and the trimming and removal of tree branches that pose risks to overhead electrical cables.

The announcement was formally issued on Wednesday, 17 December, through a press release signed by the Executive Engineer of BPDB’s Sales and Distribution Division–1, Sylhet. In the statement, the authority emphasised that the maintenance work is crucial to preventing unexpected breakdowns, power fluctuations, and safety hazards during the upcoming months.

BPDB officials noted that the decision to carry out the work during daylight hours was taken to ensure technician safety and to allow engineers to complete the tasks efficiently within the scheduled timeframe. While acknowledging the inconvenience the outage may cause, the board stressed that the long-term benefits of stable and secure electricity supply outweigh the temporary disruption.

The affected areas include residential neighbourhoods, tea gardens, marketplaces, and semi-commercial zones. Households, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare centres, and service providers in these areas have been advised to make advance arrangements, such as charging essential devices, ensuring alternative lighting, and planning business operations accordingly.

Areas Affected by the Scheduled Power Outage :

The Executive Engineer of BPDB has expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to consumers and appealed for public cooperation. He further assured residents that electricity supply would be restored immediately upon completion of the scheduled work, provided no unforeseen technical complications arise.

BPDB also highlighted that such planned shutdowns are a routine yet essential component of grid management. Without periodic maintenance, authorities warned, the risk of sudden power failures, equipment damage, and public safety incidents would increase significantly.

Residents have been encouraged to remain patient and to report any prolonged issues following the restoration of power to local BPDB offices. The board reaffirmed its commitment to improving service quality and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply across Sylhet in the long term.