Sakibul Hasan 

Relentless heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across large parts of Dhaka, disrupting daily life throughout the capital. On the first working day of the week, students, office workers, businesspeople, and commuters struggled to navigate roads submerged in knee- to waist-deep water. Many shops, educational institutions, and businesses were forced to remain closed.

Major areas including Banani, Bijoy Sarani, Karwan Bazar, Shantinagar, Dhanmondi-27, New Market, Dhaka University, Green Road, Motijheel, Old Dhaka, and several parts of Mirpur experienced extensive flooding. Waterlogging also disrupted movement in Arambagh, Fakirapool, Kakrail, Malibagh, Khilgaon, and Gulistan.

Rail services slowed after tracks in Tejgaon and Moghbazar were inundated. Traffic congestion worsened on Airport Road, Kalshi, Kazipara, Pallabi, and across Mirpur, while many CNG-powered auto-rickshaws and private vehicles broke down after becoming stranded in floodwaters.

A shortage of public transport forced many commuters to pay significantly higher fares, with rickshaw fares in some areas reportedly doubling or even tripling.

Several educational institutions suspended classes and examinations due to the flooding. South Point School and College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, and St. Gregory High School and College canceled all scheduled classes and exams on Sunday.

Overflowing water from Gulshan Lake flowed across the Gulshan–Shahjadpur connecting road, damaging parts of the roadway. Waterlogging beneath the Kakoli ramp of the Elevated Expressway also caused severe traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, a large tree collapsed onto a university bus at Jagannath University during the heavy rain. Although no injuries were reported, the bus sustained significant damage.

Former Dhaka WASA Managing Director A.K.M. Shahid Uddin said the city's outdated and inadequate drainage system is responsible for frequent waterlogging following intense rainfall. He stressed that only a modern drainage network can provide a long-term solution.

To address the situation, the Dhaka North and South City Corporations have deployed quick response teams across different zones. High-capacity pumps are also being used in Kamalapur and Dholai Khal to drain accumulated floodwater.