The Rural Electrification Society in Netrokona has asked the district commissioner for stronger security at its offices and substations, citing customer anger over severe load shedding and fears of blockades and vandalism. The request was made in a letter signed by acting general manager Md Akram Hossain and sent to the district administration on August 10.

According to the letter, electricity from the Netrokona 132/33 kV grid substation is supplied through nine 33 kV feeders to 10 upazilas in Netrokona and two upazilas in Sunamganj. The society said total demand across those areas is 157 megawatts.

The society said that at 11 pm on August 8, it received only 60 megawatts against demand of 126 megawatts, putting actual load shedding at 79 percent. It said demand rises further when electricity returns after long outages, as refrigerators, water pumps, IPS units and other appliances are switched on simultaneously. The letter also cited abusive phone calls and threats to surround or vandalise offices, requesting administrative assistance until power supply becomes normal.