NN Online:
Heavy rainfall on Friday afternoon caused severe waterlogging in several parts of capital Dhaka, leading to immense suffering for commuters.
Many were seen wading through waterlogged streets in areas such as Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar, Moghbazar, Kakrail, Paltan, Dainik Bangla Intersection, Khilgaon Rail Gate, and Rajarbagh Police Lines as they tried to reach their destinations, reports UNB.
Though Friday is a weekend, those who ventured out for emergency purposes found themselves stuck in severe traffic congestion in various parts of the city. Many were seen waiting for public transport for a long time.
The rainwater also seeped into some private vehicles and CNG-run autorickshaws plying the main roads, exacerbating the situation further.
Taking advantage of the traffic congestion and waterlogged roads, rickshaw pullers were reportedly charging higher fares from passengers.
Kabir Hossain, a private service holder, shared his experience with UNB, stating that he had been waiting for a vehicle to go to the Dainik Bangla Intersection from Khilgaon Rail Gate for around half an hour, but no public transport was available. “The rickshaw pullers are charging an extra fare compared to the usual one,” he said.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers across all divisions, including Dhaka, in the 24 hours beginning from 9am on Friday.