The World Bank (WB) put emphasis on urgent and coordinated action to protect people, livelihoods and economy from escalating heat risks.
In a new report, the bank observed that with rising temperature, Bangladesh is facing physical and mental health risks, along with declining productivity leading to economic loss.
WB made the observation at the report on “An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh”, which was revealed today at a hotel in the capital.
“The unprecedented warming has led to a tangible burden on the Bangladesh economy,” the report said.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the event as the chief guest while Prof. Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, took part as the special guest.
Jean Pesme, Divisional Director for the World Bank Bangladesh and Bhutan, also shared his remarks while Dr. Feng Zhao, Practice Manager, South Asia Health Nutrition and Population Practice, the World Bank, delivered the welcome speech.
Iffat Mahmud, Senior Operations Officer, and Wameq A. Raza, Senior Health Specialist, the World Bank, gave the keynote presentations.
The study analysed national temperature and humidity trends from 1976 to 2023 and drew from a new two-round 2024 household survey of more than 16,000 people.
Since 1980, Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has risen by 1.1oC, while the “feels like” temperature has surged by 4.5oC, triggering a rise in health issues such as diarrhea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and fatigue, it found. Heat waves have also caused mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
In her speech, Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged all agencies to provide coordinated efforts to mitigate heat risks.
“When I took off responsibilities, we took a slogan- Zero Soil, for ensuring green environment everywhere,” she added.
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