DINAJPUR, April 24, 2026 (BSS) - After a two-day shutdown, power generation has resumed at the first unit (125 Mega Watt) of Barapukuria coal-based thermal power plant here in the Parbatipur upazila. Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique confirmed the development to BSS at around 8:30 pm today, saying the unit has been restarted on a trial basis. He said the first unit began supplying 55 to 60 MW of electricity to the national grid from 8 pm, requiring around 700 metric tonnes of coal daily. According to sources, power generation from the unit was halted at 10 pm on April 22 due to the presence of stones mixed with coal.  With the resumption of operation of the unit, the probability of power disruptions and load shedding in Parbatipur upazila and eight northern districts is expected to drop significantly. The 525 MW Barapukuria coal-based power plant was established based on coal supplied from the Barapukuria coal mine. Meanwhile, the plant's second unit, also with a capacity of 125 MW, has remained shut since November 2020. Despite its capacity, it previously generated around 60 to 65 MW of electricity. The chief engineer expressed hope that the reopening of the first unit would significantly ease load shedding in the region.

BAGERHAT, April 24, 2026 (BSS) - The long-standing illegal dam has been removed from Gudara Canal in Shat Gombuj Union of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila today. Locals alleged that for a long time, a class of unscrupulous people had been occupying the canal and cultivating fish through the dam.  Like in the previous time, even after the change of government, there were attempts to occupy the canal again. This obstructed the normal water flow of the canal and severely affected agriculture.  Meanwhile, although excavation work for about two and a half kilometers of Gudara Canal had started, some influential people tried to obstruct the removal of the dam. This created anger among the locals.  Later, in view of the demands of the locals and with the cooperation of Sheikh Majurul Haque Rahad, Member of Parliament for Bagerhat-2 constituency, the dam was removed.  Locals have expressed hope that the removal of the dam will restore normal water flow in the canal and farmers will be able to produce crops again with ease. There is relief and joy among the locals over this incident.