Water logging, street protests paralyse Dhaka
Staff Reporter :
An intense spell of rain accompanied by simultaneous political demonstrations has brought capital’s streets to a standstill, causing widespread immense suffering to the city dwellers.
A heavy rain lasting half an hour on Thursday afternoon left several areas waterlogged, including Dhanmondi, New Market, Science Lab, Bata Signal, Lalbagh and Bangshal.
Meanwhile, political demonstrations by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, further exacerbated the situation by blocking key intersections.
As a result, the enter city dwellers are facing immense of sufferings due to such reasons.
Besides, all types of civic services remain closed as Nagar Bhaban under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) was practically paralysed for a week due to the movement of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain’s supporters demanding his swearing-in as the mayor of DSCC.
Since Thursday morning, hundreds of supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain began a sit-in protest at several important areas including Nagar Bhaban, High Court intersection, Matsya Bhaban, and Kakrail. They demanded his immediate swearing-in as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
On the other hand, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal staged protests at Shahbagh intersection and in front of the Intercontinental Hotel, demanding justice for the murder of one of their leaders, Samya. Protesters claimed authorities had delayed the investigation, prompting their street movement.
Sources said due to the heavy rain, knee-deep water accumulated in various parts of the city, causing major disruption to vehicular movement.
Roads in areas like Science Lab, Bata Signal, New Market, Lalbagh and Bangshal became nearly impassable. Several shopping centers also reported water entering their premises.
Since the morning, due to the blockade of these important places in the capital, traffic jams have spread to various areas of the city.
Passengers said that public transport passengers are facing extreme hardship. Many were seen getting off public transport and walking towards their destinations. People did not even dare to walk due to waterlogging.
Many commuters, who was stuck near Bata Signal, said, “Water has filled the streets from New Market to Science Lab. Buses are unable to move, and many drivers are offloading passengers in the middle of the road.”
Tasnuva Rifa, a resident of Bangshal area of the city, shared her frustration: “I had urgent work in Motijheel, so I took an auto rickshaw. But I’ve been stuck in traffic near Mokim Bazar for over 40 minutes.”
Due to waterlogging, rickshaws, motorcycles and private cars were also seen stuck in the middle of the road with their engines stopped in many areas.
According to Google Maps and social media group “Traffic Alert,” the combined impact of rain and road blockades led to a gridlock that extended to Moghbazar, Karwan Bazar, Panthapath, Airport Road, Khilgaon, Malibagh, Rampura, Hatirjheel, Mohakhali, and other major arteries of the city.
As Dhaka reels from this paralyzing combination of natural and political disruptions, city dwellers are left demanding more efficient traffic management, improved drainage systems, and greater coordination when political demonstrations are planned.