Power failures have become a daily problem in the five halls of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU). This situation has worsened during the month of Ramadan, as classes are being conducted in almost all departments and semesters in some departments. Consequently, this hampers the resident students of the halls. The students have demanded an increase in generator facilities to alleviate the problem.
The students stated that they suffer greatly on weekends, particularly during Ramadan, when classes are running in almost all departments and semesters in some departments. Consequently, it is difficult for them to concentrate on studies without interruption. Apart from the halls, the same problem is occurring in the university's academic buildings, affecting academic activities, according to the students.
According to sources at the university's DPW office, the generator facility operates for a specified period according to the official order of the university authorities. To extend the generator's operation beyond the official order, permission from the university authorities is required, and action will be taken accordingly, said DPW office officials.
Regarding the hardship, a student from Bangabandhu Hall said, "After the examination, I returned to find no electricity. My roommate informed me that the electricity had gone out a few hours ago. The heat becomes unbearable. Electricity returns in the evening but goes out again within 10 minutes. I sat down to prepare for the next exam but couldn't due to the prolonged electricity disruptions."
A resident student of Bir Muktijodhdha Abdul Malek Ukil Hall mentioned, "I did not face electricity problems during last year's exams, but this year the situation is different. Power comes and goes every five minutes, making it impossible for us to concentrate on studies."
Expressing dissatisfaction, a resident student of Bangamata Hall said, "Due to the rising temperature, it feels unbearable when there is no electricity, which can lead to the possibility of heatstroke. Water supply problems occur, resulting in water shortages. Besides, electronic devices cannot be charged, making it difficult to attend online classes and prepare for exams during Ramadan."
A resident student of Bibi Khadija Hall mentioned, "The water lines of Khadija Hall are designed in such a way that water first goes to the front block and then to the back block. As a result, there is no water in the morning when going to class, nor in the afternoon when returning. Sometimes those who are there get it, or they don't. Last year, the whole summer was like this. Although there is water in all the halls, it is not seen in the block behind Khadija Hall."
Md. Jamal Hossain, chief engineer of the university, stated, "The control of electricity is under the government. We have no control over how long they will provide it. Although electricity is under government control, the generator facility is under the university's control. But why this facility is not provided during power outages? In response to this question, the chief engineer said, 'We have an official order, and generators are operated accordingly. If it's necessary to run generators longer than that, there's a financial issue. The university's VC or Treasurer oversees this. If they give instructions, we have no problem; we will take action accordingly.'"
NSTU Treasurer Professor Dr. Newaz Mohammed Bahadur mentioned, "One of our generators is not working. We are taking actions to fix it."
NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Didar-ul-Alam stated, "We are taking actions to run the generators in off-day halls and residential areas during the daytime. Generator service will be available during the daytime. These instructions have been given to the responsible departments."