Heavy rainfall across Bangladesh has triggered widespread urban waterlogging in major cities while raising the risk of flash floods in at least five northeastern districts, with authorities warning that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Even light to moderate rainfall has once again exposed the fragility of urban drainage systems, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong, where roads, residential areas and commercial zones have gone under water, disrupting daily life.
At the same time, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) has warned that continued heavy rains may lead to flooding in Moulvibazar, Netrokona, Sylhet, Habiganj and Sunamganj, with floodwaters already entering low-lying areas in two of those districts.
The dual impact of rain-induced urban flooding and rising river levels has highlighted both immediate and structural vulnerabilities in the country’s infrastructure.
Urban waterlogging paralyses cities
On Wednesday morning, rainfall caused widespread waterlogging across Dhaka, submerging roads and alleys in areas including Malibagh, Shantinagar, Sayedabad, Shonir Akhra, Old Dhaka, Bangshal, Nazimuddin Road, Dhanmondi, Mirpur-13, parts of Hatirjheel, Agargaon to Jahangir Gate, Khamarbari to Farmgate, Tejgaon truck stand, Mohammadpur, Merul Badda, DIT Project, ECB and Kalshi.
In many locations, water persisted into the evening due to poor drainage.
Residents described mounting frustration.
Zahid Alam, who visited Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, said: “I had urgent work, but now it’s very difficult because of the water. I bought goods, but I don’t know how I will take them home without getting them wet.”
Jalil Chowdhury, a resident of Malibagh, said waterlogging and traffic congestion have made city life “unbearable,” adding that the area has suffered from the problem for years without lasting solutions.
Students and commuters also faced severe disruption.
Shamim Ahmed, a student, said even light rain floods the alleys of Gendaria, with water often reaching knee level during the monsoon.
Urban planners attribute the persistent waterlogging to unplanned urbanisation, inadequate drainage systems, and the encroachment and degradation of canals and natural water bodies. Blocked drains, often filled with plastic waste, prevent proper water flow.
City corporation sources say Dhaka generates around 7,000 tons of waste daily, about 15% of which is plastic.
Much of this waste ends up in drains and canals, worsening the problem.
Since independence, the number of canals in Dhaka has dropped from 57 to 26, most of which are now in poor condition.
Experts estimate that recovering and excavating at least 15 encroached canals could resolve up to 80% of the city’s waterlogging issues.
Chittagong faced a similar situation, with continuous rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday causing severe waterlogging.
Roads in areas such as Probortok Mor, Agrabad, Halishahar, New Market, Tin Puler Matha and Katalganj went under water, with chest-deep flooding reported in some places.
Pedestrians were seen wading through water, some carrying shoes and lifting their clothes.
Fakhrul Hasan, a private employee, said: “Even a little rain floods Probortok. Today it’s much worse. It feels like I am fighting a battle just to reach the office.”
The problem is not confined to the two largest cities. District towns including Gazipur, Comilla, Feni, Sylhet, Khulna, Barisal, Bogra, Rajshahi and Rangpur have also experienced waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and densely populated areas.
Flood risk rises in northeastern districts
Alongside urban flooding, heavy to very heavy rainfall has increased the risk of flash floods in parts of the northeast.
According to the FFWC, flooding has already begun in low-lying areas of Moulvibazar and Netrokona, while Sylhet, Habiganj and Sunamganj remain at risk as river water levels continue to rise.
Partha Pratim Barua, sub-divisional engineer at the FFWC, said the situation is being driven by intense rainfall across multiple regions.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that the current spell of rain may continue for at least five more days, with intermittent heavy showers expected until May 4.
Rainfall data shows that the highest precipitation in the past 24 hours was recorded in Nikli, Kishoreganj, at 161 millimetres, followed by Bhola with 151mm and Feni with 148mm.
Water levels in several rivers have already crossed danger levels.
The Bhugai Kangsa, Manu, Someshwari and Mogra rivers are flowing above the danger mark, particularly affecting Netrokona district.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers have risen significantly, with smaller rivers responding quickly to rainfall due to their mountainous origins.
Experts say such rivers tend to swell rapidly during heavy rain, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding in nearby low-lying areas.
Long-term challenges
Addressing the issue in Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said waterlogging is a nationwide problem, not limited to Dhaka and Chittagong.
He said that drainage systems in many cities fail during rainfall, causing water to accumulate and disrupt normal life.
The prime minister emphasised the importance of canal excavation, recalling earlier efforts to create water reservoirs that helped reduce both flooding and waterlogging.
He said similar initiatives need to be revived.
He also acknowledged ongoing efforts to clean drainage systems but said that waste dumping by residents continues to block them.
Regarding Chittagong, he said discussions have been held with the mayor to resolve the issue and expressed regret to residents for their suffering.