A severe disruption in electricity supply and telecommunication services has left the residents of Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas in Kurigram in a state of significant distress. The crisis, which began at 2:00 pm on Monday (25 May), persisted through Tuesday (26 May) until at least 11:45 am, effectively paralysing the two sub-districts.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communication
The prolonged power outage has directly resulted in the failure of mobile network towers, as their backup systems have been exhausted. Consequently, most mobile operators have ceased functioning in the region. While one or two network providers offer intermittent, weak signals, the majority of the population remains entirely disconnected. Furthermore, broadband and Wi-Fi services are currently non-functional.
| Sector | Nature of Disruption | Consequences |
| Electricity | Continuous outage since 2:00 pm Monday | Domestic and commercial activities halted. |
| Mobile Network | Most operators offline | Total communication blackout for residents. |
| Internet | Wi-Fi and mobile data suspended | Online banking and digital trade impossible. |
| Transport | Electric vehicles unable to charge | Shortage of transport and inflated fares. |
| Retail | Lighting and software failure | Difficulty in transactions and Eid preparations. |
Local Testimonies and Socio-Economic Hardship
The blackout has caused a domino effect across various sectors, particularly impacting low-income earners and small business owners during the busy period leading up to the Eid-ul-Adha festival.
Transportation and Daily Wages
Student Rajibuzzaman Jim reported that battery-operated easy-bikes—the primary mode of local transport—have largely vanished from the streets due to a lack of charging facilities. The few vehicles remaining in operation are charging significantly higher fares. Abdul Baki Mia, an auto-van driver, noted that his daily earnings have plummeted from 1,000 BDT to a mere 150–200 BDT, making it difficult to sustain his family.
Trade and Commerce
Local shopkeepers are struggling to cater to customers. Shahin Mahmud, a cloth merchant in Rajibpur Bazar, mentioned that shoppers are unable to inspect goods in the dark. Moreover, the lack of internet has disabled software-based transaction systems. In the food sector, sweets maker Shafiqul Islam reported having to work by candlelight and traditional oil lamps (Kupi) to meet pre-Eid demand despite the adverse weather conditions.
Public Discontent
Residents, including Hanif Sanket Hasan, have expressed frustration over the inconsistent supply preceding this total blackout. Reportedly, the region had been receiving only one hour of electricity per day recently. Despite this minimal usage, residents claim they are being issued disproportionately high monthly bills.
Official Response
The acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Rajibpur, Sayekul Hasan Khan, stated that the fuel and power crisis has been formally reported to the relevant authorities, with expectations of a swift resolution.
However, attempts to reach the Jamalpur Palli Bidyut Samiti’s Roumari Zonal Office for a technical explanation have been unsuccessful. The Deputy General Manager, Md. Delowar Hossain, did not respond to multiple phone calls or WhatsApp messages. Local inhabitants continue to call for urgent intervention from the government to restore essential services and normalise life in the affected upazilas.