Bagerhat, Jan. 23 -- Transformer thefts in Bagerhat have been rising sharply, causing widespread power outages and leaving thousands of customers without electricity.

Over the last three and a half months, 22 transformers have been stolen from various areas, with most thefts occurring in Karapara union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila.

The financial loss from these thefts is estimated at around Tk 20 lakh. The thefts have caused serious disruptions to electricity supply, affecting more than 4,000 customers.

According to Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, three transformers were stolen in October, five in November, ten in December, and four as of January 20 this year.

The most recent theft occurred on January 20, when a transformer was stolen from...