A prolonged electricity outage at Karihat Dakhil Madrasa in Vashanchor Union under Sadarpur Upazila, Bangladesh of Faridpur District, Bangladesh has severely disrupted the education of nearly 300 students, with the institution remaining without power for the past 22 days.
The outage has brought academic and administrative operations at the madrasa to a near standstill. With temperatures remaining high, both teachers and students are struggling to conduct and attend classes in stifling heat. Ceiling fans are non-functional, classrooms have become uncomfortable, and concentration levels among students have significantly declined.
According to the madrasa authorities, the disruption began when a fault developed in the main electricity line, which reportedly passes over a private residential property. The damaged line subsequently burned out, leaving the institution without power. When the madrasa attempted to restore electricity through a replacement connection, the residents of the property objected to the installation of new overhead wiring across their land.
Despite repeated attempts at local mediation, no resolution has been achieved so far. As a result, the madrasa has remained disconnected from the electricity supply for over three weeks, affecting both academic delivery and essential office functions such as record-keeping, documentation, and administrative coordination.
Impact Overview
| Stakeholder Group | Current Situation | Key Challenge | Actions Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrasa Authority | Operating without electricity for 22 days | Disrupted teaching and administration | Repeated requests for reconnection |
| Local Household | Opposing overhead line installation | Objection to line passing over property | Participating in informal discussions |
| Electricity Supply Authority | Attempting restoration process | Physical obstruction of line route | Ongoing negotiations at local level |
| Upazila Education & Administration | Aware of the crisis | Coordination and dispute resolution delays | Engaging relevant departments |
Local residents have described the situation as deeply unfortunate, stressing that it is unacceptable for an educational institution to remain without electricity for such an extended period. They have called for urgent intervention by the authorities to ensure a permanent and peaceful solution.
The madrasa principal stated that multiple appeals have been made to the relevant authorities, but no effective resolution has yet been implemented. He emphasised that around 300 students are being directly affected, with teaching quality deteriorating daily due to the lack of basic facilities.
An official from the local electricity supply office explained that restoring the connection requires re-routing the damaged line through the previously designated path. However, objections from the property owners have created a significant obstacle. The department is continuing discussions with local stakeholders and hopes for a swift resolution.
Meanwhile, the Upazila education officer confirmed that the matter has come to their attention and assured that efforts are underway in coordination with the electricity authorities and local administration to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
The crisis has highlighted the fragile nature of infrastructure-dependent education in rural areas and underscored the urgent need for coordinated administrative action. Parents and community members are now urging all parties involved to reach a consensus without further delay, so that normal academic activities can resume in a stable and comfortable environment for the students.