Even more than half a century after Bangladesh’s independence, electricity has yet to reach Char Ashariadah, a historic char along the Padma River in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi.

For nearly 60,000 residents, nights have long been illuminated by kerosene lamps, candles, solar-powered lights and hurricane lanterns.

After decades without electricity, however, a new dawn is now in sight for the remote char as authorities have announced plans to provide power to the area soon.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) Major General (retd) Sharif Uddin made the announcement at a civic gathering in Char Ashariadah on Saturday at the Kanapara High School grounds.

Before attending the gathering, the NESCO chairman, accompanied by senior officials of NESCO and the Water Development Board, visited several areas of Char Ashariadah, including Kanapara.

He sought the views of local residents on how electricity could be supplied to the area quickly and effectively.

After inspecting areas severely affected by Padma River erosion, he assured residents that immediate and effective measures would be taken to find a permanent solution to the problem.

In his speech, Sharif said it was “extremely unfortunate” that a large population still lacked access to electricity in an age of advanced technology.

“To fulfil the long-standing demand of the char residents, NESCO will take effective measures to bring electricity to this remote area in the shortest possible time,” he said.

According to local residents, although electricity is available in the city just five kilometres away, people in the char have continued to live without it.

Residents said they have had to complete most of their work during daylight hours. A private organisation introduced solar power on a limited scale in 2015, but the service was discontinued in June 2024 due to financial losses.

The absence of reliable electricity has particularly affected students, homemakers and patients, they said.

The NESCO chairman’s visit and the announcement have generated enthusiasm among residents, raising hopes that the long-standing electricity crisis will finally be resolved.

Local residents said access to electricity could open new opportunities for economic development in the char, while improving education, communication and other essential services. They also urged the authorities to address other forms of deprivation faced by the remote community.

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