Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - Power generation has resumed at the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant after a two-day shutdown, bringing relief to several northern districts affected by electricity shortages.

Officials confirmed that the first unit of the 525 MW coal-based plant in Parbatipur upazila restarted on a trial basis late Friday night. According to Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique, the unit began supplying between 55 and 60 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid from 8:00 pm.

The unit had been shut down around 10:00 pm on April 22 due to operational issues caused by stones mixing with the coal supply. The disruption raised concerns about increased load shedding across at least eight northern districts, including Parbatipur upazila.

Each day, approximately 700 metric tons of coal is required to operate the unit at its current capacity. The plant relies on coal source from the nearby Barapukuria Coal Mine.

Meanwhile, the plant’s second unit, with a capacity of 125 MW, has remained non-operational since November 2020. Prior to its shutdown, it was generating between 60 and 65 MW of electricity.

Authorities expect that the resumption of the first unit will significantly reduce load shedding in the region, improving overall power stability for consumers in northern Bangladesh.