Bangladesh is experiencing increasing health and economic challenges due to rising temperatures, according to a new World Bank report released on September 16, 2025. The report, titled ‘An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh,’ analyzed temperature and humidity data from 1976 to 2023 and included findings from a recent household survey involving more than 16,000 participants.
Since 1980, the country’s maximum temperature has increased by 1.1°C. The “feels like” temperature has risen even more sharply—by 4.5°C—leading to higher rates of health problems such as diarrhea, persistent coughs, respiratory diseases, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
“Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country’s prosperity,” said Jean Pesme, The World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. “By building on its experience in climate adaptation and taking a coordinated approach across sectors, Bangladesh can address the heatwave impacts and maintain sustainable growth. The good news is that it can be done, as seen in countries like Singapore and others.”
The report highlights that Bangladesh ranks second globally for exposure to high temperatures. Dhaka’s heat index was about 65 percent higher than the national average. In 2024 alone, physical and mental health conditions related to heat resulted in a loss of approximately 250 million workdays—a cost estimated at $1.78 billion or about 0.4 percent of the nation’s GDP.
Health effects are particularly severe during summer months when cases of diarrhea and persistent cough double compared to winter figures. Women face greater risks from heat-induced illnesses such as exhaustion and heat stroke. Mental health issues also rise with temperature; depression becomes more common with age while anxiety peaks among those aged between 50-65 years old.
“Our analysis shows measurable links between exposure to heat and poorer health outcomes, alongside substantial productivity losses. Like many other countries, Bangladesh faces real risks of lost human capital and productivity,” said Iffat Mahmud, Senior Operations Officer at The World Bank and co-author of the report. “Evidence-based policies and targeted investment for better adaptation measures can improve well-being and livelihoods and secure a healthy future tomorrow.”
The World Bank recommends urgent action through enhanced national preparedness using multisectoral strategies for managing heatwaves along with strengthening healthcare systems’ capacity for treating heat-related illnesses. Suggested preventive steps include expanding urban green spaces as well as improving weather-forecasting capabilities by collecting detailed meteorological data to inform decision-making processes regarding public health interventions.
International support along with public-private financing will play an important role in helping Bangladesh adapt to global warming impacts.