Continuous rainfall across various parts of the country, triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, affected the capital, Dhaka, on Thursday. Since morning, persistent rain has led to an increase in vehicular pressure on the roads, while traffic movement has significantly slowed down. This has caused severe congestion at key intersections throughout the capital.
Although many office-goers managed to reach work in the morning despite the disruption, their suffering doubled on the way back home.
From around 4pm, heavy downpours led to waterlogging in lanes and alleyways, and traffic on the capital’s main roads came to a near standstill.
Gridlocks were reported at Asad Gate, Bijoy Sarani, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Science Lab, New Market, Shahbagh and other major points in the city.
Many commuters, unable to find rickshaws or CNG auto-rickshaws, were seen walking to their destinations drenched in the rain.
Tanvir Hossain, who had to travel from Dhanmondi to Paltan for an urgent matter, said his bus became stuck in traffic near Science Lab. After a long wait, he resorted to taking a rickshaw at double the usual fare.
"I had to go out despite the rain due to urgent work. The traffic was moving so slowly that I had no choice but to pay extra for a rickshaw," he said.
After finishing work at 5pm, private sector employee Jirin Akhter was seen waiting for transport in Karwan Bazar with an umbrella in hand. She also faced trouble returning home.
"No matter how much it rains, those with office duties cannot just stay at home. I somehow managed to reach the office in the morning despite the rain, but now I can't even find a vehicle to return home," she said.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune, Tejgaon Division Assistant Police Commissioner (Traffic) Anish Kirtaniya said: “Due to heavy rainfall, vehicle speeds have decreased at various points across the capital, resulting in traffic congestion in some areas.”
He added: “The pressure of vehicles on the elevated expressway has also caused a spillover effect, leading to traffic jams on connecting roads below.”
