Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh continues to bake under a brutal heat wave as the scorching temperatures claim four more lives.

A person in the capital Dhaka, one in Chattogram and two others in Chuadanga reportedly died from heat stroke on Monday, taking the heat-related death toll to nine in the last three days.

While temperatures dipped slightly in Dhaka on Monday, it may increase further in the next two days across the country, said Omar Faruq, a meteorologist of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

“There is a chance of rain in the first part of the next month. The temperature may drop slightly then,” he said.

A severe heat wave was sweeping over Rajshahi, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia districts on Monday. A mild to moderate heat wave was sweeping over the remaining parts of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions, said the met office.

The heat wave was mild to moderate also over Dhaka, Rangpur and Barishal divisions and Mymensingh, Moulvibazar and Rangamati districts on that day. The heat wave might spread further, said BMD.

The temperature in the capital dropped to 37.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, while it was 38.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday and 40.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

The country’s highest temperature was recorded at 40.6 degrees Celsius in Khulna, Jashore and Chuadanga on Monday while it was at 42.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday in Chuadanga and 42.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday in Jashore, said Omar Faruq, a meteorologist of BMD.

BMD on Monday morning issued a heat alert, saying the prevailing heat wave across the country is likely to continue for the next 72 hours.

Due to an increase in moisture incursion, the discomfort caused by the heat wave may also increase, the BMD said in its alert message.

4 die from heat stroke in Dhaka, Chuadanga

A 45-year-old rickshaw puller died reportedly from heat stroke behind the Dhaka Medical Nursing College in Dhaka on Monday afternoon.

He was identified as Abdul Awal, son of Azam Ali of Singhagram of Lakhai upazila in Sylhet.

Shahbagh police station’s Sub-Inspector Sumon Bosak told reporters that they found the rickshaw puller in an unconscious condition and brought him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where duty doctors declared him dead.

Quoting eyewitnesses, he said the rickshaw puller started shivering and fell unconscious on the road while pulling his rickshaw. He is believed to have died from heat stroke caused by the extreme heat wave.

Two more fatalities were recorded due to the ongoing severe heat wave in Chuadanga on Monday.

Both the deceased were residents of Beguarkhal village in Nagdah union of Alamdanga upazila.

They were identified as Ashura Khatun, 25, wife of Anwar Hossain, and Ayesha Begum, 70 wife of late Akkas Ali.

Locals and family sources said Ashura was bringing a meal for her husband who was working in the field at about 9:30 am. The woman suddenly dropped down to the ground near the land aisle. She died on the spot. Farmers working at the field brought Ashura’s body to the village.

She had a 7-year-old daughter.

An hour after that incident, Ayesha Begum died at 10:30 am. She was sick due to the intense heat of the past few days.

Rashedul Islam, a local doctor, present at the scene, told reporters that Ayesha Begum had fallen ill due to the intense heat of the past few days.

The doctor thinks both died of heat stroke.

Another person was reported dead due to excessive heat in Chattogram on Monday.

Severe heat waves significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those who work outside or participate in outdoor activities.

Experts recommend avoiding sunbeams and using proper protection like sunglasses, umbrellas and caps while going out in the heat of the day. Moreover, people should drink plenty of fluids and remain cautious about taking food to prevent heat-related sickness.

Schools and colleges have already been shut, considering the health and safety of the students, while some universities have resorted to online platforms to keep their academic activities operational.