Heavy rain submerges various areas of capital, city dwellers suffer

In the rain, waterlogging occurred in various low-lying areas including Mugda, Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, Goran, Maniknagar, Taltola, Motijheel, Malibagh, Arambagh, Gulistan and Paltan. In some places there was knee-deep water, while in others waist-deep water accumulated, disrupting traffic movement. As a result, office-goers, students and ordinary city dwellers suffered.

Various roads in Sipahibagh in Khilgaon, Mugda and Goran were submerged in water. Water entered many shops in the commercial area of Maniknagar. Water also accumulated in various parts of Arambagh, Fakirpool and Kakrail roads. Reports were received that water entered shops in Malibagh, overflowing roads and footpaths.

Due to waterlogging, rickshaw and public transport movement was disrupted. Many passengers had to wait for a long time. Some were forced to go to their destinations paying extra fares.

Motaleb Hossain, a rickshaw puller from Motijheel, said that it had become difficult to pedal because of the water. It was also impossible to tell whether there were potholes on the road anywhere. Md. Sohag, a resident of Goran, said that he did not get a rickshaw even after waiting for an hour; when he did get one, he was asked for more than double the usual fare.

Local residents alleged that due to the unplanned drainage system, waste accumulated in drains, sewers and pipelines, and the lack of regular maintenance, waterlogging recurs every year during the rainy season. They demanded quick drainage of water as well as solving the capital's waterlogging through long-term planning.