In Jamalpur, continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging, paralyzing daily life across the city. Amid this crisis, at least 15 municipal officials, including Administrator Mousumi Khanam and Chief Executive Officer Hafizur Rahman, are alleged to be on a government-funded trip to Cox’s Bazar. The situation has sparked widespread public anger, with residents staging protests and blocking roads and railways to demand immediate drainage action. Train and road traffic were disrupted for about an hour before authorities assured intervention.

Residents from several flooded neighborhoods accused the municipality of long-term negligence, saying waterlogging worsens every monsoon due to lack of effective measures. Environmental activists reported that around 10,000 people in ten municipal villages are trapped by stagnant water, facing health risks and severe hardship. Protesters condemned the officials’ absence during the emergency.

Municipal tax officer Shafiqul Islam said officials were still providing guidance remotely, while Administrator Khanam stated she took leave for one day and was monitoring operations from Cox’s Bazar. Observers warned that such actions during a disaster could erode public trust in local governance.