Waterlogging Brings Chattogram to a Standstill
Flooded streets reflect the impact of relentless monsoon rain in Chattogram. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Heavy rainfall triggered by the monsoon and a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has brought daily life in Chattogram to a near standstill, leaving roads inundated, homes and offices flooded, businesses shuttered, and commuters stranded across the port city.
Since early Tuesday, continuous downpours have caused knee- to waist-deep waterlogging in several areas, including Chawkbazar, Katolganj, Kapasgola, Halishahar, No. 2 Gate, Muradpur, Bahaddarhat, Agrabad, and Probortok Mor. The flooding has severely disrupted transportation and caused widespread suffering for students, office workers, business owners, and day laborers.
Several schools and colleges suspended scheduled classes and examinations due to the heavy rain and flooding. However, because many institutions announced the closures only after students had already left home, numerous students became stranded in flooded streets before being forced to return.
“I reached school only to find out that today’s exam had been canceled,” said student Tasnia Rahman, who had to wade through waist-deep water with her father. “If we had been informed earlier, we wouldn’t have had to go through this ordeal in filthy floodwater.”
Public transportation disruptions have hit office workers particularly hard. Rickshaw fares have doubled, yet finding one remains difficult. Many CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and private cars were seen stranded after becoming submerged in floodwater. Pedestrians also faced serious risks as uncovered drains remained hidden beneath the water.
In Katolganj, floodwater entered a wedding venue, forcing organizers to hurriedly transport the bride and groom by rickshaw to complete the ceremony.
On Monday, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain claimed after inspecting the city that no significant waterlogging had occurred despite two days of rain, attributing the situation to continuous monitoring and rapid drainage.
Tuesday’s torrential rainfall, however, presented a starkly different picture, with major roads and low-lying neighborhoods submerged, disrupting traffic and intensifying public hardship.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Chattogram recorded 412 millimeters (16.2 inches) of rainfall over the past 24 hours, one of the highest totals recorded so far this monsoon season.
Rubel Hossain, a resident of Chawkbazar, said the city continues to face the same problems every year.
“Despite repeated promises and numerous drainage projects, the major roads are still flooded whenever there is heavy rain,” he said. “Students, office workers, and low-income earners continue to bear the brunt of the suffering.”
Rickshaw driver Mohammad Sohel said many streets have become impassable.
“There is so much water on the roads that it’s impossible to ride in many places,” he said. “Passengers are also afraid that the rickshaw could overturn after falling into a hidden ditch or drain.”
