As summer begins in Bangladesh, temperatures have already climbed above 35°C in many districts, including the capital Dhaka. Millions of people continue to work outdoors, exposing themselves to extreme heat that experts warn is increasingly limiting physical activity and raising health risks.
Bangladesh typically experiences its hottest period from March to June, with April and May often bringing intense heatwaves. This year is no exception. Daytime temperatures have frequently ranged between 35°C and 40°C, accompanied by high humidity that makes conditions even more uncomfortable.
A recent global study published in The Lancet Global Health warns that rising temperatures are making physical activity more difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly in tropical countries such as Bangladesh.
Despite the risks, large numbers of people, including rickshaw pullers, construction workers, transport workers and street vendors—continue working on the scorching streets of Dhaka and other cities, often with little protection from the sun.
Many workers take short breaks, drink water when possible, and then return to their tasks—highlighting the economic realities that leave them with few alternatives but to endure the heat.
Public health experts say prolonged exposure to extreme heat not only increases the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration but may also discourage sustained physical activity over time.
The study, titled “Effects of climate change on physical inactivity: a panel data study across 156 countries from 2000 to 2022,” analysed data from 156 countries and found that each additional month with average temperatures above 27.8°C leads to a measurable rise in physical inactivity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
For Bangladesh, the projected increase in inactivity is more than five percentage points. Researchers say this reflects how heat stress discourages walking, exercise and even routine movement, especially as summertime temperatures consistently exceed 27.8°C.
In densely populated cities like Dhaka, the urban heat island effect, heavy traffic congestion and limited green spaces further restrict opportunities for safe outdoor activity.
Health experts warn that reduced physical activity could worsen Bangladesh’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and mental health conditions.
Globally, physical inactivity already accounts for about 5% of adult deaths. The study projects that climate-driven inactivity could lead to hundreds of thousands of additional premature deaths each year by 2050.
It also warns that if current warming trends continue, reduced physical activity could cause global productivity losses ranging from $2.4 billion to $3.68 billion annually, in addition to the human cost of premature deaths.
South Asia, including Bangladesh, is expected to experience noticeable increases in heat-related inactivity and related health burdens.
According to the study, Bangladesh could see roughly a five-percentage-point rise in inactivity due to rising temperatures, placing it in the mid-range among South Asian countries.
Although the country may not be as severely affected as India or Sri Lanka, researchers say Bangladesh’s dense urban environment, high humidity and limited access to climate-controlled spaces could amplify the real-world impact.
In cities like Dhaka, where extreme heat already discourages outdoor movement, even a moderate rise in inactivity could significantly worsen the country’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
People with access to air-conditioned homes, offices or gyms can adjust their routines. However, low-income populations—many of whom rely on outdoor labour—remain the most vulnerable.
Women may also face additional challenges due to limited access to safe and climate-controlled spaces for exercise.
Experts say Bangladesh must begin treating physical activity as a climate-sensitive public health issue.
The study’s authors recommend several adaptation measures, including designing cooler cities, expanding green spaces, providing affordable air-conditioned public spaces for exercise, and issuing clear guidance on staying safe during extreme heat.
They also stress the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit long-term climate impacts.
“The broader message matters: physical activity is not shaped only by individual choices. It is also shaped by climate,” said García-Witulski, the lead author of the study.
“This means adaptation to extreme heat needs to be much more clearly integrated into the public health agenda.”