Dhaka commuters suffer amid cyclone Bulbul

A woman along with two children, was frantically looking for a CNG at Farmgate this morning, but none of the drivers around seemed interested to seal a deal.

She was holding a toddler in her arms, and another child stood by her side in the rain after the last CNG-run auto-rickshaw refused to take them to their destination and sped away.

The trio along with two luggage were looking for a vehicle to take them to Abdullahpur in Dhaka for over thirty minutes.

"They are all asking for double fare," she complained.

The three-day long weekend in the capital came with drizzle and light showers due to cyclone Bulbul in the coastal belt of the country.

Owing to the cyclone and the long weekend, Dhaka roads have been relatively free, while shortages of public transports added to the woes of commuters.

According to the Met office, 18mm rain was recorded yesterday. The weather is likely to remain unchanged today.

Although many remained indoors and enjoyed the "November rain", not everyone has been lucky to relish the weather over a plate of khichuri.

Many Dhaka residents had to struggle to reach their destinations amid rain and mud puddle caused by the impacts of cyclone Bulbul.

They complained that ride-sharing services increase their prices on rainy days and during shortage of public transports.

Talking to The Business Standard, private university student Lamia said, he had to return home after being totally drenched in the rain on Saturday. She missed an exam.

"I could not get into a bus, even after waiting for 20 minutes in Karwan Bazar," she said, adding, ride-sharing services has increased their price, which is beyond her budget.

On the other hand, Sabbir, a job-seeker, almost missed his interview after a passing car splashed mud puddle on him in Mirpur area.

"Mirpur is always worst during rainy days. I had to come back with mud-stain clothes, change and then again start for my destination."

Cyclone Bulbul entered the coast of Bangladesh after making landfall in Sagar Islands of West Bengal, India on Saturday night. Gradually, it weakened.

The storm over Khulna and adjoining northwestern part of Bangladesh moved slowly northwestwards and weekend further into a deep depression.