Record-Breaking Heatwave: Bangladesh Faces Severe Power Crisis

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Bangladesh is currently experiencing a devastating heatwave, which is compounded by a crippling power crisis.

The scorching temperatures, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This also have resulted in power cuts and disrupted daily life for millions of Bangladeshis.

Why it is so hot this year in Bangladesh?

The prolonged absence of rain and low humidity levels are contributing to the rising temperatures and making the heat unbearable, Bazlur explained. “The current situation may persist for a few more days.”

This article explores the impact of the heatwave and power shortage on the lives of residents, as well as the underlying causes contributing to the crisis.

The Impacts on Daily Life:

Residents are struggling to cope with the intense heat and lack of electricity in their slum area.

The absence of power during the night has disrupted sleep patterns and left people drenched in sweat.

Tens of thousands of schools have also been forced to close temporarily to protect students from the extreme heat.

How does Global Warming affecting Bangladesh?

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department confirms that this heatwave is the longest and most severe since the country's independence in 1971.

Dhaka and other cities, like Rangpur, are experiencing record-breaking temperatures, further exacerbating the crisis.

Power Plant Shutdown and Fuel Shortages:

The country's largest power plant, Payra, has been shut down due to a shortage of coal, while several other power plants are undergoing maintenance or lack sufficient fuel.

Importing fuel has become challenging due to a decline in foreign exchange reserves and the devaluation of the Bangladeshi taka, hindering the government's ability to address the crisis effectively.

Impact on Freelancers and Remote Workers:

Freelancers like graphic designer Julfiqar Ali, who chose to move from Dhaka to Rangpur for a better quality of life, now face instability in electricity supply.

Ali, reported by Al-Jazeera as another freelancer has missed project deadlines and struggles to work effectively with the erratic power situation, jeopardizing his livelihood.

Lingering Crisis and Financial Challenges:

The power crisis is projected to persist and potentially worsen due to the country's financial constraints.

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have dropped below $30 billion, a significant decline from $46 billion a year ago.

The closure of multiple power plants, including the largest one, intensifies the shortage and contributes to unprecedented load-shedding.

Impact on Industries and Export Earnings:

Bangladesh's crucial ready-made garments (RMG) sector, responsible for more than 80 percent of the country's export earnings, has been severely affected by power outages.

Factory owners are experiencing production delays and increased costs, ultimately impacting export deadlines and earnings.

Some resort to costly alternatives, such as chartering flights for timely shipments, further straining the already challenging financial situation.

Government Measures and Energy Policy Critiques:

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina felt the people's suffering and the impact of the heatwave on the power crisis.

The government is working on acquiring fuel from Qatar and Oman, as well as importing more coal.

However, energy adviser in the Government of Bangladesh Shamsul Alam points out that the crisis has been worsening due to a flawed energy policy.

Heavy reliance on natural gas, which is depleting, and a lack of diversification in energy sources have left the country vulnerable to such crises.

Lastly:

The combination of an unprecedented heatwave and a severe power crisis has plunged Bangladesh into a state of distress.

The government's efforts to address the crisis and secure fuel imports offer some hope, but long-term solutions to diversify energy sources and improve infrastructure are necessary.

As Bangladesh continues to face this dire situation, the daily lives, health, and economy of its people remain at risk.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)