Many injured in Bangladesh protests

Dozens hurt in police clash after demonstrating against frequent power outages.

Bangladesh riots
Several policemen have been injured amidst violent protest over electricity shortage [Reuters]

‘Unbearable’ situation

“The situation is really unbearable,” Mohammad Rafique, who runs a convenience shop in Narayanganj, said.

Demonstrations across the country over the blackouts a day earlier left at least 100 people injured and prompted protesters to vandalise power substations in Narayanganj in south Dhaka, Laxmipur and Shariatpur districts of Dhaka, Natore in north Bangladesh, and Sylhet in north eastern Bangladesh. 

The country has a daily shortfall of about 2,000 megawatts of electricity because of aging power plants, which results in frequent outages.

Bangladesh’s government says private companies will build at least 20 plants by the end of next year, which would produce nearly 2,400 megawatts of electricity.

“The power supply will improve a lot when we will have the new plants in place,” Abul Kalam Azad, a senior official at the government’s power ministry, said.

Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure is insufficient and poorly managed. The per capita energy consumption in Bangladesh is one of the lowest in the world.

Source: News Agencies