Prayers for Rain Amidst Heat Wave in Bangladesh
Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday as an extreme heat wave gripped the country, leading to the closure of schools across the region.
Impact of Climate Change
Scientific research indicates that climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent, and more intense. Bangladesh’s weather bureau reported that average maximum temperatures in Dhaka have been significantly higher than the 30-year average.
Community Prayers for Relief
Muslim worshippers congregated in mosques and fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat, which is expected to persist for at least another week.
Call for Prayer Services
Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh, urged its members to participate in prayer services organized on Wednesday and Thursday to seek respite from the heat wave.
Challenges Faced
The heat wave has made life unbearable for many, particularly the underprivileged, with temperatures soaring above 42°C (108°F) across the country. Hospitals in the coastal district of Patuakhali have reported a rise in cases of diarrhea due to the extreme temperatures and increased salinity of local water sources.
Forecast and Concerns
Government forecasters predict that the high temperatures will persist until the end of the month, attributing the heat wave to a lower-than-average number of rainstorms for the period. The situation underscores the impact of climate change on the region.
