Transformer thefts in Bagerhat have been rising sharply, causing widespread power outages and leaving thousands of customers without electricity.
Over the last three and a half months, 22 transformers have been stolen from various areas, with most thefts occurring in Karapara union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila.
The financial loss from these thefts is estimated at around Tk 20 lakh. The thefts have caused serious disruptions to electricity supply, affecting more than 4,000 customers.
According to Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, three transformers were stolen in October, five in November, ten in December, and four as of January 20 this year.
The most recent theft occurred on January 20, when a transformer was stolen from Darirsulpur village in Bagerhat Sadar upazila.
Each stolen transformer, which costs between Tk 42,000 and 60,000, had an active power connection when it was stolen. The transformers range in size from 5 kVA to 50 kVA.
Locals expressed concern about the thefts, saying they suffer both financially and from prolonged power outages. After the first theft, they are required to pay the additional cost of replacing the transformer. If the transformer is stolen again, they must pay the full price. Only after the payment is made, the new transformer is installed, they said.
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Sushanta Roy, general manager (GM) of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, said that thieves are able to climb electricity poles, remove the covers of transformers, and steal valuable copper wiring, leaving behind the transformer box and other components.
“Despite multiple police reports, none of the stolen transformers have been recovered,” he added.
He also mentioned that on December 29, a group of thieves attempted to steal a transformer in the Srighat area of Bagerhat Sadar upazila but fled, leaving behind their battery-run easy bike.
On information, they went to the village, recovered the easy bike, and handed it over to the police station. He believes that by tracing the easy bike, police can arrest the members of the thief gang.
The general manager urged police and the public to remain vigilant to help prevent further thefts.
Md. Rokonuzzaman Khan, President of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, expressed concerns about the frequent reports of transformer thefts from various areas.
He highlighted that consumers are financially affected and suffer when transformers are stolen, despite paying their bills regularly. He questioned why they should bear the cost of stolen transformers.
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