Early morning downpour leaves Dhaka streets waterlogged

Heavy rains began pouring in Dhaka early on Tuesday, inundating streets in various parts of the capital, with water levels reaching up to knee or even waist height in some areas.

Those who ventured out early for work, school or other reasons faced severe difficulties. 

Several CNG-run autorickshaws were stranded in water on some roads, while in a few areas, water rose to the level of rickshaw seats.

Waterlogging was reported in areas including Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Shewrapara, Malibagh, West Tejturi Bazar, Bangshal and Tejgaon.

Siam Haque, who works at a private organization, said he had to hail a CNG-run autorickshaw and pay an unusually high fare to go to his office on Gulshan-Badda Link Road from his home in Mirpur 10. "I would have to spend a large portion of my salary on transportation if I continue to have to pay such high fares."

"I usually rely on ride-sharing apps to hail a bike, but today I could not find one even after an hour of trying. On top of that, the rain would have left me drenched on the way... It feels like a battle just to get to the office," he added. 

Meanwhile, the Dhaka North City Corporation said in a Facebook post that its crews were actively working to resolve the waterlogging issue.

Rains had also lashed Dhaka on Monday afternoon, with intermittent showers continuing through the night. However, the downpour intensified early this morning.

For several days, the capital has experienced a combination of overcast skies, sweltering heat and sporadic rainfall.