People suffer as heat wave sweeps parts of country

People in different parts of country is experiencing a sweltering heat with the mercury soaring to 37.4 degree Celsius in the capital on Sunday.

Country’s highest temperature 38.5 degree Celsius was recorded in Chuadanga.

Day labourers, rickshaw pullers, farmers, and others who generally work outdoors are finding it increasingly challenging to continue working under the intense heat of the sun. Even animals and birds are restless and struggling in the scorching heat.

According to a Met office bulletin, mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal divisions and Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Moulvibazar, Chattogram, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Cox’Bazar & Bandarban districts and it may continue.

Day and night temperature may rise slightly over the country, it said.

UNB Khulna correspondent reports:  Khulna region is currently experiencing fluctuating maximum temperatures between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius, which is causing great discomfort to workers and animals alike.

As the day progresses, the temperature keeps rising, making it unbearable for people to move around in the scorching heat.

Water scarcity is also becoming a pressing issue in the coastal areas of Khulna, adding to the suffering of the people.

Ramadan has coincided with the intense heat, which is adding to the struggles of the low-income workers.

Md. Anisul, a day labourer, said, “I work for TK500 per day and find it difficult to do soil-related work in the extreme hot weather.”

Rickshaw driver Majnu said he is also facing similar difficulties.

His rickshaw does not have a battery and needs to be driven using foot pedals, which is very difficult to do in the scorching heat.

Despite this, he still has to take his rickshaw out to earn a living and provide to his family.

Pedestrians are feeling the discomfort of the heat. Due to their fasting, their throats are becoming dry, and the extreme heat makes them feel chilly.

The senior meteorologist at the Khulna Meteorological Office, Amirul Azad, said that the heat will persist for the next 3–4 days.

With the intense heat causing such discomfort, many people are flocking to electronic and hand-fan shops in the city to find some relief.