The region gets only one fourth of the required power from the National Grid.

Police have been deployed at PDB offices and centers to protect those from any untoward incident, Sheikh Zillur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Barisal Kotwali police station said.

Authorities of West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCO) asked its distribution centres to guard against use of excess power in any area. Letters signed by its director Md. Abdullah reached distribution centres in Barisal, officials said yesterday.

The severe load shedding triggered protests by angry people, who ransacked eight power supply offices and complaint centers in Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakati and Bhola districts in last two weeks.

At least 11 people including police men and power supply officials were injured in the attacks.

In Barisal city, the requirement is 60 to 70 mw during peak hours. The demand has increased due to Ramadan and Durga Puja but the supply from the National Grid is between 15 and 25 mw, officials said.

Power Development Board (PDB) has sent letters to Puja mandops in Barisal city to switch off decorative lighting at night.

Power supply goes in the city at least 6 times a day and total load shedding continues for eight to twelve hours, city dwellers said.

Officials said the power supply declined as the gas-fired plant at Rupatali on the outskirts of the city tripped last week.

Sheikh Idris Ali, PDB executive engineer in Barisal said, "We have nothing to do unless we get more supply from the National Grid".