As the scorching heat wave persists, exhaustion and discomfort grip the population, leaving no respite in sight. With temperatures rising relentlessly, the government has taken the proactive measure of temporarily shutting down schools to mitigate risks.
Amidst this challenging climate, Dhaka Tribune sought to investigate how street children are faring.
At the Zigatola Bus Stand, Emon and Ali, two brothers barely in their teens, were discovered. Spending their days on the streets, clad in worn-out clothes, they rely on begging for survival.
Asked about the blistering sun, they surprisingly remarked: "We don't feel the heat much." Emon disclosed their strategy: "If it gets too hot, we hop onto a bus and head to New Market. Inside the air-conditioned market, we find temporary relief."
Any money the brothers collect is handed over to their mother, who becomes dissatisfied if their earnings fall short of her set target.
Another pair of brothers, Yamin and Yasin, residing in a Rayerbazar slum, make a living by collecting paper from the streets. Irrespective of the season, they must venture out early in the morning, enduring heat rashes on their necks, throats, and foreheads.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneYamin described the impact of the summer weather, saying: "These rashes occur during summer, and though I can withstand the heat, thirst becomes unbearable. I only drink water if I find a filter on the street."
Yasin added: "Taking a bath provides some relief, followed by any food offered to me."
In Dhanmondi Lake, beneath a bridge, Liya, a tired-looking child, spoke of the relatively cooler shade she sought. Liya, along with her mother, begs for money in the vicinity. When she becomes parched, Liya relies on water from street filters.
Despite the harsh conditions, poverty and the struggles of daily life prevent these children from dwelling on the heat wave. Their primary contentment lies in merely filling their stomachs each day.
Dr Lelin Chowdhury, a public health expert and director of Health and Hope Specialized Hospital, explained the health risks associated with children during the hot weather.
The intense climate leads to water and salt loss in children's bodies, resulting in electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and an increased likelihood of heatstroke. To combat these issues, children must consume ample amounts of safe water.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneHowever, if they consume unsafe water, they may suffer from gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases. Moreover, the summer season activates various bacteria and viruses, leading to an upsurge in respiratory issues, pneumonia, and diarrhoea among children.
Dr Chowdhury emphasized that street children are particularly vulnerable, not only facing dehydration and diarrhoea but also being exposed to diseases like typhoid and jaundice. Drinking water from unreliable sources and inhaling dust exacerbate their health risks.
The public health expert called for collective efforts, both public and private, to ensure access to safe water for street children, and urged authorities to address their accommodation needs promptly.
