Published: 08:18 AM, 06 July 2025
Dhaka’s Heatwaves: A Climate Wake-Up Call
Shushmita Hasan
In recent years, Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has faced increasingly severe heat waves, with record-breaking temperatures disrupting daily life and threatening public health. This trend is not only alarming but also symptomatic of the broader climate change crisis affecting South Asia. The growing intensity and frequency of heatwaves especially in Dhaka call for urgent attention, comprehensive strategies, and effective interventions to mitigate their impacts on the city’s population.
Heatwaves in Dhaka have become more frequent and intense due to a combination of global warming and local urban factors.
The city’s rapid urbanization has contributed to the 'urban heat island effect,' where concrete structures and asphalt absorb and retain heat, pushing temperatures higher than in surrounding rural areas. Studies, including a recent Rockefeller Foundation case study, highlight that Dhaka’s heatwave risk is compounded by poor infrastructure, lack of green spaces, and limited access to cooling resources for many residents.
The consequences of these extreme heat events are multifaceted. Beyond the immediate discomfort, heatwaves exacerbate health risks, increasing incidences of heatstroke, dehydration, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory diseases. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and the urban poor face disproportionate risks. Reports from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society emphasize that informal sector workers, including rickshaw pullers and day laborers, suffer the most due to prolonged exposure without adequate protection or hydration.
Moreover, the heatwaves strain the city’s water and power supply systems. Rising temperatures increase electricity demand for cooling devices, leading to frequent power outages that further jeopardize health and productivity. Water scarcity during peak summer months compounds these difficulties, making it harder for residents to stay hydrated and maintain hygiene.
The heatwave’s toll is unevenly distributed, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt. Slum dwellers and those living in poorly ventilated homes face extreme heat stress daily. Their limited access to clean water, healthcare, and cooling mechanisms intensifies their vulnerability. A report published in The Guardian notes that the poor often cannot afford air conditioning or even fans, making heatwaves a life-threatening condition rather than a mere inconvenience.
Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Schools struggle to maintain safe environments during heatwaves, affecting students’ attendance and learning. Outdoor workers, such as construction laborers and street vendors, experience prolonged heat exposure without adequate breaks or protective gear. The health impacts for these groups are not only immediate but can lead to chronic complications if unaddressed.
Addressing the heatwave crisis in Dhaka requires a multi-pronged approach involving government, civil society, and the community. Key strategies include:
Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure: Expanding green spaces, planting trees, and developing parks can mitigate the urban heat island effect. Green roofs and reflective building materials should be promoted to reduce heat absorption.
Early Warning Systems and Public Awareness: Implementing heatwave early warning systems can alert residents in advance, enabling better preparedness. Public campaigns should educate citizens about heat safety, hydration, and recognizing heatstroke symptoms.
Improved Infrastructure: Enhancing water supply systems and ensuring reliable electricity access are vital to support cooling needs. Investments in affordable cooling technologies for low-income households are essential.
Health Services and Support: Strengthening healthcare facilities to manage heat-related illnesses, particularly during peak summer, is critical. Mobile clinics and outreach programs can provide assistance in vulnerable communities.
Policy and Collaboration: Integrating heatwave resilience into national climate adaptation plans and fostering cooperation between government agencies, NGOs, and international partners will ensure coordinated and effective responses.
The heatwave phenomenon in Dhaka is a stark reminder of the urgent climate challenges facing Bangladesh, one of the countries most vulnerable to global warming. While international climate action is imperative, local adaptive measures must be prioritized to protect lives today. It is disheartening that the poorest and most marginalized suffer the worst consequences despite contributing least to the problem. Equity must be at the heart of any response, ensuring that resources and support reach those in greatest need.
Furthermore, community engagement is crucial. Empowering citizens with knowledge and tools to cope with heat can save lives and foster resilience. The government must also take proactive steps, integrating heatwave preparedness into urban development and disaster management frameworks. As the climate crisis intensifies, Dhaka’s experience offers a vital lesson for other rapidly urbanizing cities in similar climates.
The escalating heatwave crisis in Dhaka is a complex challenge that intertwines climate change, urban development, and social inequality. Addressing it demands immediate, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. Protecting the vulnerable, improving infrastructure, and raising awareness are key to reducing the human and economic costs of heatwaves. As temperatures continue to climb, Dhaka’s readiness to confront these extreme weather events will be a test of resilience, governance, and solidarity.
References
Rockefeller Foundation, "Heatwaves in Dhaka: Case Study"
The Guardian, "Only the Rich Can Bear the Heat: Dhaka’s Poor and Extreme Weather"
Climate Centre, "Study: Expanding Early Action in Dhaka to Include Heatwave"
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, "Feasibility Study on Heatwave in Dhaka"
Shushmita Hasan is an Officer
in Project Implementation
Team, JAAGO Foundation
Trust, Bangladesh.
