Rain spells chaos for Dhaka commuters

Heavy spring rain freshened up a dusty Dhaka but caused chaos for commuters yesterday.

The capital received a total of 19mm rain from 6am to 9am, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Inundated streets spelt trouble for school and office-goers. Devotees at Biswa Ijtema ground also had a difficult time.

“The sky was gloomy but I did not expect heavy rain, so I did not carry any umbrella,” said banker Mahmud Hasan, visibly uncomfortable in his wet pants.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) says the possibility of rain today is low.

“After winter, the temperature is going up, creating low pressure, resulting in rain,” said Omar Faruq, meteorologist at BMD, over phone.   

In its evening bulletin, BMD said rain accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at a few places over Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.

In the next five days temperature may rise, said the bulletin. There is possibility of rain on February 25 and 26, Faruq said.