Stranded by water-logging, Chittagong city dwellers flood social media with satire

The water-logging issue of Chittagong has created a social media buzz after the inundation of several places of the port city due to incessant rain on Friday.

Many have also written humorous posts relating the sufferings to the dispute between current Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin and his predecessor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury over the setting up of a swimming complex at the outer stadium.

Some posted caricatures and photos of water-logged streets, terming them as 'swimming pools'.

Chittagong lawyer Mostafa Imran Sohel wrote in a Facebook post, "The entire city is under water; what'll be the benefit of a swimming pool?"

Hashem Mohammad wrote, "Different places in Chittagong city are flooded in one day of rain. Mr Mayor, please tell us what the necessity of a swimming pool now is. People are swimming in the streets…"

A former Bangladesh Chhatra League leader wrote, "Many swimming polls have been created by an hour of rain. Welcome to swimming for free. It's very much necessary to know how to swim, because it's very much possible to drown in this city if you do not know how to swim."

The BCL port city unit clashed with police during protests against the construction of the swimming complex next to MA Aziz Stadium last Tuesday. Mayor Nasir reaffirmed his stance in favour of the swimming complex the following day.

With this dispute in the backdrop, incessant rains started on Friday, flooding the streets. The Met Office recorded 85 milimetres of rain from 6am to 6pm. 

Chittagong residents, apparently confined at home on a weekly holiday, took to social media to vent their anger.

Mizanur Rahman Yusuf wrote, "The mayor of Chittagong is a proper politician! He is not happy even after turning the entire city into a swimming pool!"

Another resident , Hasan Major, wrote, "Great offer, don't miss it!!! Chittagong city is giving those looking for a swimming pool the opportunity to learn how to swim in the largest swimming pool. Come now!!! Limited offer!!!"   

Ayaz Mabud, a cultural activist, had this to say, "Haven't swum for a long time. On way to Chittagong in the hope of fulfilling the wish..."

Journalist Alokmoy Talapatro posted a caricature. He wrote, "Bioscope...I am floating, floating too you are /People are floating in water.../Flooded by development/The bouncer dances in amusement."