A mild heat wave sweeping across Hili and surrounding areas of Dinajpur over the past few days has disrupted daily life, with outdoor workers and low-income earners bearing the brunt of the scorching weather.
Temperatures have been hovering between 34°C and 36°C, while high humidity and the absence of wind have intensified discomfort. The oppressive heat has forced many people to remain indoors, reducing activity on roads and marketplaces and affecting the earnings of rickshaw and van drivers.
Daily wage earners, who depend on outdoor work for their livelihoods, are finding it increasingly difficult to work for extended periods under the blazing sun. Many have reported fatigue, dehydration and other heat-related health problems, leading to reduced productivity and income.
Selim Hossain, a van driver in Hili, said the intense heat has severely affected his daily earnings.
“People are avoiding going outside unless necessary, so there are very few passengers. Earlier, I could earn Tk 600 to Tk 700 a day, but now it is difficult to make even Tk 200 to Tk 300. With such low income, I worry about whether to pay loan installments or buy food for my family,” he said.
He added that the heat often forces him to stop working and rest in shaded areas, further reducing his earning opportunities.
Qurban Ali, a local pedestrian, described the weather as unbearable.
“The heat is so intense that even walking has become difficult. There is no breeze, and it feels as though the sun is burning our bodies. I sweat constantly and have to drink water and oral saline frequently. Whenever I try to work, I become exhausted within a short time,” he said.
According to him, many outdoor workers are struggling to cope with the weather and are experiencing various heat-related ailments.
Local resident Amjad Hossain said the prolonged heat is affecting people of all ages, particularly children, infants and the elderly.
“There is strong sunshine throughout the day, but no wind at all. The heat is becoming increasingly difficult to tolerate. Daily laborers are suffering the most because they have no choice but to continue working outdoors,” he said.
Tofazzal Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of the Dinajpur Meteorological Office, said a mild heat wave is currently prevailing over Dinajpur and nearby districts and is likely to continue for a few more days.
“The temperature in Dinajpur was recorded at 36 degrees Celsius at noon on Monday. There is little chance of rain before June 4, although isolated light showers may occur in one or two places in Rangpur Division,” he said.
Residents are now looking forward to rainfall, hoping it will bring much-needed relief from the relentless heat and ease the hardships faced by outdoor workers and vulnerable groups.
