Waterlogging Raises Health Risks Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

A lone cow stands in a corner overlooking waterlogged streets in the capital

Continuous rainfall over the past several days has left the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) residential area and nearby Bakshibazar locality submerged, worsening daily hardship and raising public health concerns ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

On Tuesday, roads, alleys and low-lying areas within the BUET residential zone remained heavily waterlogged as rainwater accumulated due to an inadequate drainage system. Commuters, residents and students were seen navigating through knee-deep water, while rickshaws and small vehicles struggled to move along submerged streets.

The situation has become particularly concerning as preparations for Eid-ul-Azha intensify in nearby areas. Livestock brought for sacrifice are also being affected by muddy and waterlogged surroundings, adding to the growing discomfort of residents.

Locals fear that if rainfall continues during the Eid period, animal waste and blood could mix with stagnant water, creating unhygienic conditions and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and environmental pollution in densely populated neighbourhoods.

The recurring waterlogging has once again highlighted long-standing weaknesses in Dhaka’s drainage infrastructure, especially in older parts of the city surrounding the BUET area, where even moderate rainfall often leads to severe flooding.