Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 09, 2026 (BSS) - Even after more than half a century of the country’s independence, electricity had not yet reached the historic Padma riverbank Char Ashariadah in Godagari Upazila of Rajshahi.

For nearly 60,000 people, the only companions at night were kerosene lamps (kupi), candles, solar power, or hurricane lanterns. 

After decades of darkness, a new dawn is set to break finally for the residents of this remote char, who are at last set to get the electricity soon. 

Addressing a civic gathering here on Saturday, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) Major General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin made the announcement saying that an electricity connection would be established in the area very soon.

The event was organized on the ground of Kanapara High School in Char Ashariadah Union of Godagari Upazila.

Before joining the gathering, the NESCO Chairman along with senior officials of NESCO and the Water Development Board, visited various areas of Char Ashariadah including Kanapara. 

He took opinions from the common people of the char on how electricity connection can be provided quickly and effectively.

After inspecting the areas of severe erosion of the Padma River, he assured that quick and effective steps would be taken for a permanent solution to prevent river erosion.

In his speech, Maj Gen (Retd) Sharif Uddin said it is extremely unfortunate that in this age of technology, a huge population still does not have access to electricity.

To fulfil the long-standing demand of the char people, NESCO will implement effective measures to bring electricity to this remote char in the shortest possible time.

According to locals, although electric lights were burning in the city just five kilometers away, the people of the char had to live in darkness until now. 

They had to complete all their work in daylight. Although a private organization arranged solar power on a limited scale in 2015, it was shut down in June 2024 due to losses.

As a result, students, housewives and patients in the area suffered immensely. This initiative and on-site visit by the NESCO Chairman has created enthusiasm and usher a new hope among the char residents.

The char residents hope that with the availability of electricity, a new door to change will open in the overall economy of the char area, including the communication and education sectors, and the authorities will also quickly pay kind attention to removing other discriminations.

NESCO Managing Director Mashiur Rahman, LGED Engineer Ayatullah Beheshti, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board Arifur Rahman, Godagari Upazila BNP President Abdus Salam and Matikata Union BNP President Ehsanul Kabir Tuku, among other were present on the occasion.