Dhaka, April 1 -- A mid-Chaitra hailstorm has transformed Dhaka's streets into a scene of sudden chaos, forcing workers, pedestrians, and commuters alike to seek shelter as ice and rain battered the capital.

The showers began around 8pm and continued for roughly half an hour, paused briefly, and resumed shortly after, leaving workers, commuters, and pedestrians stranded.

Many sought shelter along roadside shops and buildings to escape the pelting hail.

Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik said, "At this time of the season, hail is common. When the cloud base descends to around 14,000 feet or lower, conditions for hail formation arise.

"Moist air rising cools rapidly, and water droplets freeze into ice crystals at temperatures as low as -50...