Scorching Rajshahi heatwave turns daily life unbearable for residents

A persistent moderate to severe heatwave continues to sweep across Bangladesh’s northwestern Rajshahi region, severely disrupting daily life and pushing temperatures to dangerous levels.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) report that the region has been experiencing temperatures ranging between 38°C and 40°C over the past several days. High humidity has further intensified the heat, making outdoor conditions increasingly unbearable.

The extreme weather turned fatal on Wednesday when one person died of suspected heatstroke in Mohanpur upazila, prompting concern among local residents.

City streets and major roads in Rajshahi remain largely deserted during daytime hours, with only those on urgent errands venturing outside under intense sun exposure.

The hardest hit are daily wage earners, including rickshaw pullers, construction workers and laborers, who are continuing work despite harsh conditions. Many are seen taking shelter in roadside shade or drinking sugarcane juice to cope with exhaustion.

“I came to the city at 8am, but due to the heat and fewer passengers, I could barely earn anything,” said Abdul Rashid, a 60-year-old rickshaw puller from Charghat.

Residents also say the situation has worsened due to frequent power outages alongside the heatwave.

“At 40 degrees, life is already unbearable. On top of that, load shedding is making it worse,” said Mustak Hossain of Shiroil Colony in Rajshahi city.

Doctors have advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement, stay hydrated, and take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses as the region continues to face extreme weather conditions.