Pantho Rahaman
Dhaka, 17 July 2025
Extreme heat driven by climate change is pushing the cost of living higher across Bangladesh, especially for low-and middle-income families. From electricity bills and transportation to healthcare and education, daily expenses are rising sharply as temperatures soar above normal.
In recent months, temperatures in many parts of the country—including Dhaka, Jessore, and Rajshahi—have exceeded 40°C.
According to meteorologists, 2024 saw an unprecedented 26-day continuous heatwave, breaking a 76-year record. Experts attribute this to four main factors: subcontinental heat, reduced rainfall, El Niño, and fewer thunderstorms.
Daily life is being directly affected. A survey of 50 families in and around Dhaka revealed increased electricity consumption due to prolonged use of fans, air conditioners, and generators. People are also shifting from public to air-conditioned transport, adding to their expenses.
Healthcare costs are also rising. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with hospitals reporting a surge in patients suffering from heat-related conditions like dehydration, fever, and diarrhea. Bangladesh Children’s Hospital and Institute treated over 21,000 patients in April alone. Additionally, the number of dengue cases is on the rise, with 56 deaths reported so far this year.
In rural areas, farmers face higher irrigation costs due to power outages and the need for fuel-driven generators. Food spoilage caused by the heat is also driving up market prices, impacting both sellers and consumers.
Education-related expenses are climbing as well. Many private schools have added charges for air conditioning and purified drinking water. Transport fares for schoolchildren have also increased due to the use of AC vehicles.
A study by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) revealed that Dhaka has experienced a 97% increase in extremely hot days—above 35°C—over the past 30 years.
Low-income groups, especially those in informal settlements, are suffering the most due to poor housing, limited access to clean water, and lack of cooling options.
Experts warn that unless urgent measures are taken, the impact will worsen. Climate expert Prof. Ainun Nishat said that while the heat is real, rising costs are also influenced by changing consumer habits. He stressed the importance of behavioral awareness along with climate adaptation.
Experts also emphasized the need for investment in housing, clean water, and public spaces to protect vulnerable communities.
As Bangladesh faces increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves, the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and targeted support for low-income populations has never been more urgent.
