Rising heat cost Bangladesh $1.8 billion last year, says World Bank

DHAKA (Reuters) -Rising temperatures are taking a mounting toll on Bangladesh, with heat-related illnesses and productivity losses costing the economy up to $1.78 billion – about 0.4% of GDP – in 2024, according to a World Bank report released Tuesday.

The study shows that since 1980, the South Asian country’s maximum temperature has climbed by 1.1 degrees Celsius while the “feels like” temperature has spiked by 4.5 C.

The rising heat has fueled a surge in diarrhea, respiratory problems, fatigue, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Women and older people are especially at risk.

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka has emerged as one of the world’s most heat-stressed cities, with its heat index rising 65% faster than the national average. In 2024 alone, heat-related physical a