Bangladesh lost an estimated 250 million workdays in 2024 due to heat-related illnesses, costing the economy up to $1.78 billion — about 0.4% of GDP — according to a new World Bank report released today.

The report, An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh, reveals how extreme heat is undermining health, productivity, and economic growth across the country. It highlights both the direct and indirect costs of rising temperatures, calling for urgent action to protect livelihoods and ensure sustainable development.

Heat on the rise

Drawing on national temperature and humidity data from 1976–2023 and a fresh 2024 household survey of more than 16,000 people, the World Bank shows alarming trends. Since 1980, Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C, while the “feels like” temperature — which factors in humidity — has surged by 4.5°C.

This sharp increase has fueled higher rates of diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, persistent cough, fatigue, heat exhaustion, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dhaka, in particular, has emerged as a hotspot, with its heat index rising 65% faster than the national average.

Impact on health and livelihoods

Health impacts are more severe during summer months. Cases of diarrhoea and respiratory illness double compared to winter. Women are disproportionately affected, facing higher risks of heat-induced exhaustion and heat stroke. Mental health burdens also rise, with depression and anxiety becoming more common in hotter months. Depression tends to increase progressively with age, while anxiety peaks in the 50–65 age group.

The productivity toll is equally stark. Lost workdays due to heat-related physical and mental conditions were estimated at 250 million last year alone. That loss translated into $1.78 billion in foregone economic activity — eroding both household incomes and national prosperity.

“Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far-reaching,” said Jean Pesme, World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. “By building on its climate adaptation experience and adopting a coordinated approach, Bangladesh can tackle the impacts of heatwaves while sustaining growth. The good news is that it is possible, as we have seen in countries like Singapore.”

Calls for urgent action

The report was unveiled at a Dhaka event attended by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Professor Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Hasan stressed the need to protect green spaces, forests, and agricultural land around Dhaka, warning that reckless urban expansion is worsening the heat crisis. “Reducing heat is not impossible. But once Purbachal’s greenery is gone, how will we reduce it? Rajuk’s building plans must be corrected. Dhaka must be decentralised, and citizens must also change their lifestyle and take responsibility,” she said.

Rahman described Dhaka as a “heat island,” exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and lack of greenery. He emphasised that climate change polluters must bear responsibility. “Those who have made negative contributions to climate change must provide funding. If even a fraction of the financial losses caused by heat could be redirected to adaptation, the situation would improve,” he argued.

A way forward

The World Bank warned that Bangladesh — ranked second globally in exposure to extreme heat — faces mounting risks to health, productivity, and human capital if urgent adaptation measures are not taken.

“Our analysis shows measurable links between exposure to heat and poorer health outcomes, alongside substantial productivity losses,” said Iffat Mahmud, senior operations officer at the World Bank and co-author of the report. “Evidence-based policies and targeted investments can improve well-being, secure livelihoods, and build resilience against future heat shocks.”

The report calls for a multisectoral approach to heat preparedness, including equipping health systems to manage heat-related illnesses, expanding urban green spaces, collecting granular weather and health data, and ensuring international financing for climate adaptation.

Without such measures, the Bank warns, Bangladesh’s rising temperatures will continue to chip away at its economic potential — turning heat into not just a health crisis, but a long-term development challenge.

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