Bangladesh is facing an increasing onslaught of extreme heat events, with temperatures rising at an alarming rate. The economic toll is substantial - up to US Dollar1.78 billion, in other words, 0.4 per cent of Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024. On top of this economic fallout, the heat-related physical and mental health conditions have apparently led to a loss of 250 million workdays in Bangladesh last year.
Media analyst Reaz Ahmed has in this context referred to a recent World Bank report titled- "An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh." The report has pointed out that with rising temperatures, Bangladesh is facing physical and mental health risks, along with declining productivity leading to economic loss. The Report has been based on an examination of national temperature and humidity trends from 1976-2023 and drawn from a new two-round 2024 household survey of more than 16,000 people across Bangladesh. It has emerged that since 1980, Bangladesh's maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C, while the "feels like" temperature has surged by 4.5°C, triggering a rise in health issues such as diarrhea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and fatigue. Heatwaves have also caused mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The findings have exposed a troubling picture: Among the surveyed population, persistent or chronic cough was the most frequently reported condition, affecting 6.0 per cent of the surveyed individuals in summer compared to 3.3 per cent in winter. The elderly population above age 66 years reported the highest prevalence of persistent cough.
The WB report has underlined the need for urgent action to protect people, livelihoods, and economy from escalating heat risks. The probability of coughing appears to have increased by 22.7 per cent in days with temperatures above 30°C, compared to days with temperatures below 30°C. It has been discovered that heat exhaustion affects 2.6 per cent of respondents during the summer. This was the highest among the working population between ages 36 and 65 years and the older population above 66 years during the summer. During days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, the likelihood of suffering heat exhaustion increased by 26.5 per cent, compared to days when temperatures are below 30°C.
The incidence of diarrhea also seemingly varies significantly by season. During the summer, 4.4 per cent of individuals reported having diarrhea, compared to 1.8 per cent in winter. The largest burden of the disease is borne by children under age five and women. The probability of having diarrhea increased by 47.7 per cent on days with temperatures over 35°C, compared to days with temperatures under 30°C.
Mental health is apparently also affected by rising temperatures. The survey carried out by the World Bank has indicated that the prevalence of depression also increased from 16.2 per cent in winter to 20.0 per cent in summer, while the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorders rose from 8.3 to 10.0 per cent. During days above 35°C, the probability of depression and anxiety also increased by 23.8 per cent and 37.1 per cent respectively.
Such a scenario has led the WB Report to point out that as the world moves toward a potential 3°C increase in global temperatures, the implications for health and well-being could be severe. It was noted that - projections indicate that by 2030, Bangladesh could lose around 4.9 per cent of its GDP due to the adverse effects of extreme heat. It appears to be similar to the observations made by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change who has said "the findings provided vital scientific validation."
Such a scenario has led the World Bank to stress that in view of Bangladesh facing health and economic risks from rising temperature, there is positive need for urgent, coordinated action to protect people, livelihoods, and economy from escalating heat risks. It has been stressed by Jean Pesme, World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan that "extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far-reaching and as evident in Bangladesh, rising temperature is affecting health and productivity, and the country's prosperity." Jean Pesme has added that "by building on its experience in climate adaptation and taking a coordinated approach across sectors, Bangladesh can address the heatwave impacts and maintain sustainable growth. The good news is that it can be done, as seen in countries like Singapore and others."
Bangladesh ranks second globally in exposure to elevated temperatures, and its capital, Dhaka's heat index increased about 65 per cent higher than the national average.
The economic toll is substantial. In 2024, heat-related physical and mental health conditions led to a loss of 250 million workdays. This cost the economy up to US Dollar1.78 billion-around 0.4 per cent of GDP in 2024. Health impacts have also been blunt. In summer, cases of diarrhea and persistent cough double compared to winter. Women are more vulnerable to heat-induced illness such as exhaustion and heat stroke. Depression and anxiety increase with heat and are more prevalent in summer. Depression progressively increases with age, while anxiety peaks around the 50-65 age group. Productivity loss, due to increased physical and mental health conditions, are higher in summer than in winter.
"Our analysis shows measurable links between exposure to heat and poorer health outcomes, alongside substantial productivity losses. Like many other countries, Bangladesh faces real risks of lost human capital and productivity," said Iffat Mahmud, senior operations officer, World Bank and co-author of the report. "Evidence-based policies and targeted investment for better adaptation measures can improve well-being and livelihoods and secure a healthy future tomorrow," he added.
The report calls for urgent, coordinated action to protect people, livelihoods, and economy from escalating heat risks. The report recommends enhancing national preparedness through a multisectoral approach to dealing with heat waves and equipping health systems to manage heat-related illnesses. Adaptation and preventive measures like creating urban green space and collecting granular and accurate weather and health data to inform decisions will help reduce exposure and risks.
In addition, international support and public and private financing for mitigating the impacts of global warming on Bangladesh will be important. Dhaka has been hit the hardest, with its heat index rising 65 percent higher than the national average. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and unplanned development, including the large-scale loss of green space, are driving the "urban heat island" effect.
However, there is also another side of the coin that has exposed a few details about air pollution and where Dhaka ranks in this paradigm. Dhaka ranks 24th in global air pollution index with 'moderate' air quality. Dhaka was ranked 24th among cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 75 on September 18, 2025, according to data from the global AQI monitoring system.
With this score, the air in the capital city was classified as 'moderate', which indicated a light threat to health. According to the AQI scale, such levels typically pose little risk to the general public, though sensitive individuals-such as those with respiratory conditions-are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. This 'moderate' classification has been consistent over the past few days, marking a temporary relief from the usually higher and more hazardous pollution levels the city experiences, particularly in the dry season.
Dhaka has long battled severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months, when dry weather and increased emissions from vehicles, brick kilns, and construction activities raise pollutant levels. The city's air, however, generally improves during the monsoon, when rainfall helps wash pollutants from the atmosphere.
While today's air in Dhaka is relatively better, experts warn that sustained improvements require long-term policy interventions, enforcement of environmental regulations, and public awareness campaigns. Such an effort is important to avoid the global health impact of air pollution as observed by the
World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that seven million people die each year globally due to air pollution-related illnesses. These include: stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lkung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
In this connection it may be noted that to the Government of Bangladesh is launching the second phase of the Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Resilience (IBFCR-II) Project in Dhaka, an initiative designed to integrate climate priorities into national budgeting and financial management systems. Organised by the Finance Division in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), it aims to agree on steps for mainstreaming climate resilience in public finance. Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary of the Finance Division has highlighted the urgency of mobilising resources for adaptation and resilience through his observation that "Bangladesh is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and our policies, programmes, and financing must reflect this reality. To meet our adaptation targets by 2050, we will need around US Dollar 8.5 billion annually. This makes it urgent to mobilise resources through a joint effort that engages all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in investing in climate change adaptation and mitigation."
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh has also emphasised the critical role of climate-informed budgeting in safeguarding the country's development gains. He noted that "as we embark on the second phase of this programme, UNDP stands ready to continue supporting Bangladesh in strengthening systems, mobilizing resources, and building resilience."
Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance. muhammadzamir0@gmail.com
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