Rainwater Floods Dhaka University Dormitories

Continuous rainfall for several hours has caused waterlogging in various dormitories and large parts of the campus of the University of Dhaka (DU). In some places, water has accumulated from knee to waist level. Several student rooms at Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall and Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall have also been inundated, causing suffering for students.

A visit to the campus on Sunday afternoon found knee- to waist-deep water in different areas, including VC Chattar, Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, the Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall field, Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall, the Central Playground, and the road from the Central Shaheed Minar to Curzon Hall.

The worst waterlogging was seen in areas adjacent to Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall and the Institute of Social Welfare and Research. Students alleged that these areas, being relatively low-lying and lacking an effective drainage system, experience waterlogging even after light rainfall.

A student of Kuwait Maitree Hall said, “The entire hall area has gone under water. Water has entered the canteen and the departmental store as well. Even a little rain causes knee-deep water to accumulate inside the hall.”

Badsha, a student of Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall, said, “Water has entered the hall rooms. It has become difficult to move around as thigh-deep water has accumulated on the road in front of the hall.”

DUCSU Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah said severe waterlogging occurs every monsoon in areas adjacent to Kuwait Maitree Hall and Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. As a result, students’ movement is seriously disrupted. He said the issue has been raised with the Dhaka South City Corporation on several occasions, but no effective initiative has been taken.

University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane told Agamir Somoy that the university has contacted the Dhaka South City Corporation regarding the issue. The city corporation said the water would recede quickly once the rain stops. He added that if any problems remain afterward, the corporation will provide the necessary assistance.