Like the rest of Bangladesh, Mongla in Bagerhat is experiencing severe heatwaves, the intensity of the heat may increase by a few degrees and there is no chance of rain within a week, as per the Meteorological Department.
The maximum temperature of 41°C was recorded in Mongla at 1pm on Saturday. People's lives have become exhausted. The extreme heat has put the working population in great trouble.
People in Mongla are experiencing scorching temperatures as a mild to severe heatwave continues to batter the district. Due to the heat, people are unwilling to leave their homes unless it is an emergency.
Akkas Ali, 70, an old worker at Mongla port, said: "I have never seen the heat that has been falling recently in my life. People cannot walk on the streets. Children can't even stay at home. God knows why it is so hot.”
Another worker named Akram Hossain, 52, said: “There is too much heat, no peace anywhere. Temperature is hot on the ship, and hot on the shore as well. How can we work in this heat.”
Sohrab Hossain, 43, a day labourer at Jetty No 1 in the city, said that life is becoming unbearable in the scorching heat. I went to work because of my livelihood. Having to gasp, it is difficult to breathe. Only thirsty for water.
A businessman named Jahangir Alam who came to Mongla port from Chittagong said: “I have brought goods for a foreign ship stationed at Mongla port. But not daring to go aboard in this heat. The river water and air are extremely hot.”
Van driver Mamun Sheikh said: "If I do not drive a van, my family will not survive. If I sit for a day, they will not get food. A little rain in this summer would be good for us.”
Harun Or Rashid, in charge of the Mongla Meteorological Office, said that there is no chance of rain within a week. The intensity of heat will not decrease but will increase furthermore.