Tackling heat waves in Bangladesh: A climate urgency

As Bangladesh welcomed the Bengali New Year in 2025, celebrations were marked by intense heat. Over recent years, the country has been facing the growing effects of climate change, especially in relation to the monsoon season.

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High levels of air pollution worsen the situation by trapping heat and increasing health vulnerabilities. Both urban planning flaws and rural environmental degradation are compounding the heat crisis across Bangladesh.

Key recommendations for heat resilience

1. Recognizing heat as a hazard
   Heat needs to be officially recognized as a major environmental and public health hazard. Integrating heat waves into Bangladesh’s Standing Order on Disaster (SOD) would allow national and local governments to allocate resources and plan ahead more effectively.
2. Early warning systems
   Timely detection of heatwaves is vital. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has begun issuing 48–72 hour warnings, helping communities prepare. Enhancing forecasting capabilities using satellite technology and AI-driven models could enable quarterly heatwave outlooks, giving more lead time for public health and safety responses.
3. Cooling centres and community support
   In 2024, the conversion of public buildings and community centres into cooling zones offered a lifeline, especially for vulnerable groups lacking in-home cooling systems. Expanding these across both urban slums and rural areas can ease heat stress while providing access to water, food, and basic healthcare.
4. Gender-responsive strategies
   Women, especially in rural and low-income households, face unique challenges during heat waves. Solutions must address their needs through awareness campaigns, improved access to clean water, healthcare, and heat-resilient housing. Including women in local climate decision-making and offering financial support such as microloans can build resilience and equity.