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Published : 02 May 2026, 09:10 PM
Several hours of rain have left parts of the capital Dhaka waterlogged, causing widespread disruption for residents during the weekly holiday.
Roads in parts of Malibagh and Mouchak went under water following around two hours of rainfall that began around 1:30pm on Saturday, forcing pedestrians, commuters and shoppers to wade through flooded streets.
Shops on the ground floor of Mouchak Market were also inundated, forcing customers to wade through water.
Public transport users faced difficulties as buses were unable to stop at many points along their routes.
A private sector employee said he was unable to get off a bus near a market in Mouchak due to flooding on the road, forcing him to walk through water to reach his destination.
Elderly residents also struggled to move through submerged streets, while small and mobile vendors reported losses as fewer customers came out in the rain.
An IELTS examinee said his travel to and from the exam centre was hampered by waterlogging, adding that poor waste management contributed to the situation.
Rickshaw fares reportedly increased in several areas amid the downpour, with commuters alleging higher charges for short distances that are usually cheaper under normal conditions.
Street vendors selling fruits and electronics said business dropped significantly as rainfall reduced footfall, while concerns were also raised over potential damage to electronic goods.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Dhaka recorded 28mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 6pm on Saturday.
A senior waste management official of the Dhaka South City Corporation said waterlogging in some areas is gradually receding but acknowledged limitations in the drainage system.
He noted that only three outfalls currently discharge water into the Buriganga River, which is insufficient for the city’s needs.
He added that approval has been received for two additional outfalls, with construction expected to begin within the next two to three months.
He said at least eight to nine outfalls are needed for an effective drainage system, while ongoing infrastructure projects have further strained existing networks in some areas.
The BMD has forecast continued rainfall activity in Dhaka and several other divisions over the coming days, with conditions expected to ease from later in the week.
