The capital city of Dhaka continues to suffer from severe waterlogging during the monsoon season, despite numerous initiatives and the expenditure of crores of taka over the years. The repeated failure of the two city corporations—Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)—to address this chronic problem has left residents deeply frustrated.
City dwellers, have blamed clogged drains and sewer systems, encroachment on natural waterways, neglected canals, and the filling of reservoirs and rivers as key contributors to Dhaka’s persistent waterlogging problems. Unfortunately, the relevant authorities have made little progress in resolving these long-standing issues.
Usually, ahead of the monsoon, the responsible agencies undertake maintenance work to mitigate waterlogging. However, this year, due to instability within both city corporations, even these routine preparations have not been carried out. For the past 11 months, all development activities under DSCC have come to a halt, while DNCC remains in disarray, operating without elected representatives to oversee and drive essential work.
As a result, key initiatives—such as cleaning canals, box culverts, and open drains—have been largely absent. Even light rainfall now causes severe waterlogging in several parts of the city. With the Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall—potentially exceeding 100 millimetres daily—in early July, the situation is likely to deteriorate further. Just a few hours of moderate rain recently brought parts of the capital to a standstill: vehicles broke down, major roads went under water, traffic was paralysed, and pedestrians were forced to wade through knee-deep water. This has become a familiar scenario during every rainy season, yet the authorities continue to respond with indifference and empty assurances.
The authorities of the two Dhaka
city corporations must now show
leadership and take
decisive action in managing
the drainage system, restoring canals, and ensuring the smooth flow of stormwater
Despite repeated promises and the spending of public funds, the results have been disappointing. Experts warn that sufferings this year could even worson. In recent weeks, short spells of rain have submerged numerous areas of the city, revealing the vulnerability and inefficiency of the existing drainage system.
Waterlogging not only causes immense daily hardship for residents—it also damages infrastructure, halts business activity, and poses serious public health and environmental risks. Commuters face traffic gridlocks, while homes, schools, shops, and offices—especially in low-lying areas—sustain repeated damage.
Yet neither the two city corporations nor Dhaka WASA have been able to provide credible assurances of relief. Every year, areas such as Dhanmondi, Rokeya Sarani, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Senpara Parbata, Merul Badda, Gulshan, Bijoy Sarani, Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar, Arambagh, Motijheel, Sukrabad, Kalabagan, Gulistan, Manik Mia Avenue and Old Dhaka are inundated. Even the premises of the Bangladesh Secretariat—the administrative heart of the nation—often go under water.
The condition of the city’s inner lanes and by-lanes is no different. Office-goers and students suffer the most as they are forced to brave the flooded roads and long traffic jams day after day.
Immediate and coordinated measures are urgently needed. The drainage system and canals of Dhaka have now been handed over to DSCC and DNCC. The authorities of the two Dhaka city corporations must now show leadership and take decisive action in managing the drainage system, restoring canals, and ensuring the smooth flow of stormwater. Without urgent intervention, the suffering of Dhaka’s residents will only continue—and worsen.We strongly urge the authorities to take all necessary steps, without delay, to free the capital from its persistent waterlogging crisis.
