Dhaka, March 20 -- A brief spell of rain coupled with surge in Eid shoppers caused huge traffic gridlock in parts of the capital.

The light rain started at 12:30 pm and lasted for about 30 minutes.

Despite its short duration, it worsened traffic condition in different areas, including Shantinagar, Mouchak, Paltan, Malibagh, New Market and Bashundhara where roads were already overwhelmed by Eid shoppers.

Commuters were left stranded for hours as a combination of street hawkers encroaching on roads and illegally parked vehicles further exacerbated the gridlock.

The congestion was particularly severe near shopping malls where shoppers crowded in preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

Despite the presence of traffic police, no effecti...