Waterlogged roads crumble across Dhaka, raising fears of prolonged disruption

Standing water is eating away at road foundations, with experts warning the damage will only spread

Relentless rain and prolonged waterlogging have left roads across Dhaka riddled with potholes, broken surfaces and even collapses, raising fears of worsening disruption in the weeks ahead.

Experts say standing water has weakened road foundations, while heavy vehicles have stripped away asphalt and exposed stone chips, accelerating deterioration.

Part of the Gulshan-Shahjadpur Link Road collapsed on Sunday after overflowing Gulshan Lake swept across the carriageway.

The damaged section remained barricaded on Monday as the erosion widened.

Another collapse occurred at Narinda intersection in Old Dhaka after a leaking old WASA water pipe washed away soil beneath the road, forcing authorities to close the route.

Residents blamed inadequate drainage between sections of Gulshan Lake, while others voiced concern over children playing near the collapsed road.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Khan said the flooding reflected poor planning rather than individual failure.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said repairs at Narinda had begun but would take about a week.

Waterlogging also persisted in Dhaka University, Banani, Dhanmondi, Moghbazar, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Mirpur, Farmgate, Tejgaon, Hatirjheel and several other areas.

Transport expert Prof Md Hadiuzzaman warned that water is "bitumen's biggest enemy", saying prolonged flooding weakens both the road surface and the soil beneath it, especially in low-lying reclaimed areas.

He said restoring canals, improving drainage networks and adopting an integrated master plan were essential to prevent recurring damage.

City officials said repairs would begin once floodwaters recede and roads dry sufficiently.