Bangladesh may become one of the worst sufferers of heat stress, as Dhaka’s temperature has risen by nearly 6°C over the last decade, far exceeding the global threshold of 1.5°C, experts warned.
Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of NACOM, revealed the findings while delivering the keynote speech at a seminar titled “Heat Stress in Dhaka: Climate Resilience Solutions” during COP30 in Belém, Brazil at Bangladesh Pavellion today.
He said that Dhaka’s dense population and widespread use of corrugated iron roofs have caused areas such as Kamrangirchar to reach temperatures up to 12°C higher than surrounding regions.
“Global heat extremes are intensifying, and heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent,” Khan said. “Over one billion people in cities face heat stress, with low-income communities — including street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and garment workers — being the most vulnerable.”
He noted that heat stress leads to exhaustion, heatstroke, and higher mortality, particularly among informal workers. To mitigate the impacts, he recommended expanding urban greenery, promoting climate-resilient housing, enforcing heat-adaptive workplace policies, and strengthening early warning systems.
“For this, financial support is crucial,” Khan added. “Developed countries, being the main contributors to global warming, must take responsibility.”
The seminar was also attended by Dr. Catalina Jaime, Head of the Secretariat of the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), and Zainab Bie, Regional Campaign Manager of Equal Right.
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, who attended as Chief Guest, said heat stress is among the most dangerous consequences of human activity. “It’s the human cost of excessive air conditioner use — even among middle-class families — that contributes to heating the country,” she said.
She urged citizens to take collective action in combating rising temperatures. “The government alone cannot make the country greener,” Akhtar said. “Everyone must come forward to create a livable, sustainable Bangladesh.”
She added that heatwaves pose a growing threat not only to Bangladesh but also to the world, calling for more green spaces and better access to safe drinking water to reduce heat-related risks.