Presently, Bangladesh is facing a multi-dimensional climate crisis where global warming, unplanned urbanisation, environmental degradation and fuel insecurity have posed as a public threat, labour productivity and economic instability. In a latest global evaluation, South Asia has been identified as one of the climate affected region. Now, Bangladesh is one of the countries that bear the pressure of extreme heat and climate-induced livelihood crisis.
In the summer of 2024, Bangladesh suffered history’s one of the longest extreme heat waves. In different regions of the country, temperature has crossed 43 degree Celsius and high level of humidity turned the situation more serious. In 2026, the situation did not change. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the average temperature remains above 39 degrees Celsius. World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned the possibility of creating 80% El-Nino situation in June-August 2026, which will increase the risk of long-term heat wave and extreme weather. Fuel insecurity has been added to climate crisis. At present, Bangladesh depends on almost 95% of imported fuel. In the beginning of 2026, power crisis and load-shedding have taken a serious turn due to global geo-political instability and disruption in fuel supply. Production activity adversely affected in Dhaka and nearby industrial areas.
Because of extreme temperature and power crisis, workers have been compelled to work in intolerable working atmosphere inside and outside the factories. This has resulted in heat-related ailments like excess sweating, nausea, tendency of vomiting, muscle pull, dehydration and unconsciousness. At the same time, rise in temperature has made public life more unbearable. The economic impact of rising temperature is gradually becoming evident. In 2024 only, 25 crores working hours have been wasted due to heat-induced physical and mental health problems. So, the economic loss stood at US$178, which is almost 0.8 % of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the long term, the situation will be more alarming. As per a survey of Cornell University’s ILR Global Institute, Bangladesh is in risk of losing $65million in RMG sector’s export earnings and there is the probability of losing 10 lakh employments within 2030.
The heat wave of 2026 has proved that extreme temperature is no more an environmental crisis; rather it is a major policy-related challenge for labour, public health, workplace security and national economy. During past few decades, a major change in temperature became visible. During past century, the average temperature was recorded at 15 to 35 degrees Celsius, while an unnatural temperature is being recorded in recent years. In 2023, the temperature in Rajshahi crossed 45 degrees Celsius, while 40 degrees Celsius was recorded in different regions of Dhaka, Jashore and Chuadanga.
Unplanned urbanisation has intensified the influence of ‘urban heat island.’ Destruction of water bodies, canals, green and open areas as well as concrete structure and increasing air pollution have destroyed the natural cooling system of cities. Despite some positive initiatives, there is lacking in policy and institutional level. In Bangladesh Labour Law, there is no concrete and compelling protection system to combat the heat risk. An effective law is still absent for mandatory rest, safe working hour and acknowledgement of health risk as a professional risk. Although international garment brands have given priority to reduce carbon emission in supply chain and durable development, workers’ heat tolerance system is being ignored. Because of dumping of waste, and sewage in water bodies, water pollution, micro-plastic pollution and environmental risk are on the rise.
Extreme temperature has virtually become a human rights challenge in the country. Against the backdrop, National Alliance for Just Transition Bangladesh (NAJIB) in collaboration with Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) has suggested the following strategic recommendations at a roundtable conference held recently in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club recently to get rid of the alarming situation.
The following recommendations are proposed to address the impacts of extreme heat. First, it is essential to formulate mandatory heat protection laws for workplaces, including provisions for compulsory rest breaks, access to safe drinking water, and the suspension of outdoor work once temperatures exceed a specified threshold. Second, there should be a strong focus on restoring green infrastructure, canals, water bodies, and open spaces, alongside expanding the use of cool roof and green roof technologies and strengthening urban afforestation programmes. Third, a climate-sensitive social protection system must be introduced, incorporating heat wave-based insurance, emergency financial assistance, and expanded healthcare services. Fourth, the transition to renewable fuel and worker-friendly just fuel should be ensured to support both environmental sustainability and social equity.
Finally, public awareness and preparedness must be increased through strengthened national-level awareness programmes focusing on the prevention of heat-related illnesses, the provision of primary treatment, the importance of drinking safe water, and access to emergency services. Together, these measures provide a comprehensive approach to reducing heat-related risks while protecting workers, communities, and the environment.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is a Senior journalist, columnist, and media activist. E-mail: [email protected]
