Although the monsoon season is nearing its end, rainfall continues across Bangladesh. Since Friday morning, Dhaka has experienced intermittent showers, keeping residents indoors on their weekly holiday. However, the sudden rainfall caused significant trouble for job seekers attending the BCS exams, daily wage earners, and commuters. The downpour, coupled with severe traffic congestion, added to the city’s distress.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), rainfall may persist across various parts of the country over the next five days. The influence of the monsoon is still evident, bringing rain to both northern and southern regions, including the capital.
In its 24-hour forecast from Saturday morning, the BMD predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds in parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at isolated places in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh divisions.
Meteorologist Shahanaz Sultana stated that a dense cloud cell remains active, and even if it clears, further rainfall cannot be ruled out. “Such weather conditions are likely to persist for the next four to five days,” she said.
Dhaka recorded 50 millimeters of rainfall on Friday, which qualifies as “heavy rain” under meteorological standards, as precipitation above 44 millimeters falls into that category. Other districts including Kishoreganj, Netrakona, Mymensingh, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Naogaon also received rainfall on the same day.
The Met Office anticipates that the monsoon may withdraw from Bangladesh later this week. Meteorologists noted that temporary rainfall before monsoon withdrawal is typical. They also indicated that around October 20, a low-pressure system may form over the Bay of Bengal, potentially developing into a depression or cyclone.
Friday’s rainfall caused major disruption, especially for candidates of the 49th Special BCS (Education) Preliminary Examination held at various centers across Dhaka. Many examinees were drenched as they left the centers.
Akbar Ali, who took his exam at Eden College, said, “I saw sunshine in the morning, so I didn’t bring an umbrella. But midway through the exam, it started raining heavily, and I got soaked while returning home.”
The rain also triggered severe traffic congestion on Dhaka’s key roads. Waterlogging was reported in Paltan, Shahbagh, Malibagh, and Bijoy Sarani areas, causing disruptions to vehicular movement.
According to the weather forecast, light to moderate rainfall is likely in parts of Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions from Sunday to Tuesday. After Tuesday, the monsoon is expected to retreat from Bangladesh, leading to a gradual rise in temperature across the country.
