The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has warned of an increased risk of flooding in several northern, northeastern and southeastern districts as heavy to very heavy monsoon rainfall across Bangladesh, combined with intense precipitation in India's upstream catchments, continues to raise river levels.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), data recorded until 9am on Monday showed widespread heavy rainfall across the country's northern, northeastern, central and southeastern regions.
Heavy rainfall was also recorded in the Indian states of Meghalaya, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh, raising concerns over rising flows in transboundary rivers.
Dalia in Nilphamari recorded the country's highest rainfall over the past 24 hours at 162mm, followed by Durgapur in Netrokona (150mm), Maheshkhola in Sunamganj (134mm) and Noakhali (102mm).
Other notable rainfall totals included Feni (81mm), Jariajanjail in Netrokona (75mm), Barguna (64mm), Narsingdi (57mm), Rajshahi (57mm), Senbagh in Noakhali (54mm), Rohanpur in Chapainawabganj (53mm) and Basurhat in Noakhali (50mm).
The widespread rainfall suggests the active monsoon is affecting multiple river basins simultaneously, increasing the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The FFWC also reported heavy rainfall across India's upstream catchments that feed several rivers flowing into Bangladesh.
Baghmara in Meghalaya recorded 107mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours, while Ratachera in Meghalaya received 73mm, Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh recorded 60mm and Cooch Behar in West Bengal measured 56mm.
These areas are part of the catchments of several transboundary rivers that flow into Bangladesh. Water from upstream rainfall typically takes time to move downstream, meaning river levels in Bangladesh could continue rising even if rainfall eases locally.
While no widespread flooding has been reported so far, the FFWC said hydrological conditions point to an elevated flood risk over the coming days, particularly in low-lying floodplains, haor areas and riverside communities.
Districts along the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, Brahmaputra-Jamuna, Surma-Kushiyara and Feni river systems could see further rises in water levels if heavy rainfall persists both in Bangladesh and upstream in India.
Flash floods remain a particular concern in northeastern districts such as Sunamganj and Netrokona, where intense rainfall can inundate low-lying areas within a short period.
The FFWC said it is closely monitoring rainfall and river conditions and will issue updated forecasts and warnings as the situation evolves.