Stand by the hardworking people during intense heat

The working people of Bangladesh live an inhumane life throughout the year. They have to fight against the adversities of nature - whether it's the cold, heat, or rain. People with low incomes, especially farmers, laborers, day laborers, and rickshaw pullers, never see an end to their suffering. No matter how much adversity blocks their path, there seems to be no way out for them. Over the past three days, a severe heatwave has been sweeping across the entire country. The scorching heat is overwhelming. It is with this intense heat weighing heavily on their heads that the laborers have to work.

In this heat, there is profound discomfort prevailing in daily life. Stepping outside feels like being engulfed in scorching heat, causing the body to feel drained. Simultaneously, there's abundant sweating and increasing thirst. Altogether, it creates an extremely dire situation. Especially for laborers and those who work outdoors under the open sky, their suffering is unparalleled. Just three days ago, amidst the heatwave, a rickshaw puller fell ill and tragically passed away while working near Dhaka Nursing College.

Even if they're not directly engaged in physical labor, traffic police and Ansar members in the city have to work under the open sky for long hours in extreme heat. Their suffering is also unbearable. To assist them, the Deputy Commissioner of Police has ensured an adequate supply of water, glucose, and saline for their service.

The situation in Dhaka city is the worst. According to news reports, on Tuesday (April 23), the highest temperature in Dhaka city was 37.8 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity was 92 percent. According to the definition of the Meteorological Department, this is a moderate heatwave. Intense heatwaves are also ongoing in regions like Rajshahi, Jessore, Khulna, and Chuadanga. There is no possibility of a decrease in daytime temperatures; rather, there are forecasts of an increase by 1 to 2 degrees.

Dhaka city is home to countless laborers. Starting from bus drivers and rickshaw pullers, construction workers, roadside vendors, and street hawkers all find their livelihood here. Even when it's nearly impossible to be out on the streets during midday, they are compelled to work under the open sky. After a bit of work, they seek shelter under the shade. Those who don't get that shade, they get burnt in the sun.

Rickshaw pullers are seen getting exhausted after just a short distance. After taking a short break and drinking water, they calm down. As a result, their daily earnings are decreasing. However, even with reduced income, expenses rise significantly during the heat. Even to drink a lemonade, they have to spend an extra ten taka. Not everyone is fortunate enough to afford coconut water; some find solace in seasonal fruits like watermelon and melon. But how many laborers can afford that? Due to the heat, the prices of these fruits are also increasing.

People exist for the sake of people. It's our duty to step forward in times of crisis for these laborers. When it rains, many passengers voluntarily increase the rickshaw fare. Even during the heat, many do the same. At a personal level, many are extending their cooperation. We hope that the government will also come forward to assist the laborers. Many are suggesting declaring this heatwave as a disaster. In this regard, it is essential for the relevant ministries of the government to consider whether it is possible to ensure the daily wages of adult laborers without affecting their work. In this country, those who sweat and toil under the sun, spin the wheels of vehicles, operate factories, and cultivate crops in the fields, during this time of nature's opposition, society must become even more compassionate towards them, ensuring their well-being.