Dhaka grinds to a halt as relentless rain pounds city

Relentless rain that began late Saturday night showed no sign of easing Sunday, submerging major roads across the capital, paralysing traffic on the first working day of the week, and forcing several schools to postpone ongoing examinations amid the worst waterlogging of the season.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Dhaka recorded 135 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours until 9:00 am Sunday. Of that, 38 mm fell between 6:00am and 9:00am, while 76 mm was recorded between midnight and 6:00am—the highest six-hour rainfall of the current monsoon season.

The prolonged downpour submerged key roads in Jatrabari, Kutubkhali, Shonir Akhra and sections of the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, leaving many routes impassable well into the day. Waterlogging was also reported in Daily Bangla-Fakirapool, Purana Paltan, Shapla Chattar, Tikatuli, Arambagh, Shantinagar, Rajarbagh, Nayapaltan, Kakrail, Mohakhali and Khilkhet, with knee-deep water inundating roads, lanes and nearby businesses.

Traffic movement slowed significantly across the capital as water accumulated in low-lying areas. The Gulshan Traffic Division said flooding beneath the Kakoli ramp of the Elevated Expressway, along with inundation in Banani, Khilkhet and Dhaka Gate, created severe congestion and forced motorists to proceed with extra caution. Heavy traffic was also reported in the Dilkusha and Motijheel commercial areas.

Although Dhaka Metro Rail services remained operational, passenger pressure surged as thousands of commuters opted for rail travel amid flooded roads. Stations at Secretariat and Motijheel witnessed unusually large crowds during the morning rush.

Public transport shortages compounded commuters' suffering, while battery-powered rickshaws and motorcycles were noticeably scarce. Passengers also complained of excessive fare demands, with some transport operators reportedly charging several times the usual fare. Finding CNG-run auto-rickshaws for longer routes also became increasingly difficult.

The severe waterlogging disrupted academic activities as well. Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Dhanmondi Kamrunnesa School, and Monipur High School and College suspended scheduled examinations after floodwater submerged surrounding roads and campuses.

With more rain forecast throughout the day, authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution in waterlogged areas.