A brief spell of rain coupled with surge in Eid shoppers caused huge traffic gridlock in parts of the capital on Thursday.
The light rain started at around 12:30pm and lasted for about 30 minutes.
Despite its short duration, it worsened traffic in different areas, including Shantinagar, Mouchak, Paltan, Malibagh, New Market and Bashundhara where roads were already packed with Eid shoppers.
Commuters were left stranded for hours as a combination of street hawkers encroaching on roads and illegally parked vehicles further exacerbated the gridlock.
The congestion was particularly severe near shopping malls where shoppers crowded in preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
Despite the presence of traffic police, no effective measures were visible to ease the situation.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted rains or thundershowers along with lightning flashes accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind in parts of the country.
It said rain is likely in one or two places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions and hails at isolated places.
Besides, the weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere over the country.
Meanwhile, a mild heatwave is sweeping over Rajshahi and Sirajganj districts, and it may abate.
Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may rise slightly over the country.
