Monsoon rains in Bangladesh are often heavy, and they can knock out power, trip lines, and create electrical hazards, particularly in the low-lying and older parts of cities such as Dhaka. With waterlogging and ageing infrastructure comes the increased risk of short circuits and downed wires, and it is vital residents know exactly who to call when the lights go out, or an electrical fault occurs.
National Power Helpline 16999
There is one unified government hotline, 16999, from which you can reach any of the six electricity distribution companies in the country. After dialling, customers press the number corresponding to their provider, which is 1 for BPDB, 2 for BREB, 3 for DESCO, 4 for DPDC, 5 for NESCO or 6 for WZPDCL. The service runs 24/7 and feeds complaints directly into the complaint management systems of each company.
Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC)
DPDC supplies electricity to residents of southern Dhaka and some areas of Narayanganj and Tongi. To report outages, voltage fluctuations, downed lines or meter problems, call the DPDC hotline on 16116 (any hour).
Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO): DESCO serves Mirpur, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Uttara, Pallabi and Kafrul areas. In case of power supply problems, customers can call the DESCO hotline at 16120 or the general national helpline 16999 for no-power urgent emergencies.
Rural Areas: Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) / Palli Bidyut
For customers connected through a Palli Bidyut Samity outside the main city grids, complaints related to rural electricity supply can be made by dialling 16899, which connects with the concerned local samity office.
Other Distribution Companies
Customers of BPDB, NESCO and WZPDCL, serving other parts of the country, can also dial the unified 16999 helpline and select the extension of their company to lodge a complaint.
How to Stay Safe During Rainy Season Power Outages
Avoid touching electric poles, exposed wires or metal railings near waterlogged streets during heavy rain, as water is a good conductor and can carry current from a damaged line. If a wire is observed hanging low or lying in standing water, the proper action is to stay away and report it immediately to the appropriate hotline, not to try to move it. Unplug sensitive electronics before the storm to avoid damage from voltage surges when the power comes back on.
FAQs
1. How to Report Power Cut in Bangladesh?
The unified national helpline number is 16999 and connects to all six electricity distribution companies by menu selection.
2. What is the Dhaka DPDC hotline number?
Customers of DPDC in Narayanganj, Tongi and southern Dhaka can call 16116 to report outages or other electrical problems.
3. What is the DESCO phone number?
Customers in Mirpur, Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Uttara, Desco’s main areas, can call 16120 or 16999 for urgent no-power situations.
4. How do rural electricity customers report a power outage?
Customers under Palli Bidyut Samity can call 16899 to lodge rural electricity complaints.
5. What do I do if I see a downed power line during a rainstorm?
Customers under Palli Bidyut Samity can call 16899 to lodge rural electricity complaints.
6. Do these hotlines offer 24-hour service?
Yes, the main hotlines such as 16999, 16116 and 16120 should be available 24 hours a day, particularly for reporting emergency power outages.
Summary
Heavy rain often triggers power outages and electrical hazards across Bangladesh. This guide lists official hotline numbers for DPDC, DESCO, BREB, and the national power helpline 16999, along with safety steps to follow during outages.
