Students Return to Schools in Bangladesh Amid Heat Wave
Millions of students in Bangladesh have resumed their classes despite the scorching heat wave that led to a temporary closure of schools nationwide. The capital city, Dhaka, has experienced temperatures 4 to 5 degrees Celsius above the 30-year average, with more hot weather expected in the coming days.
Impact of Climate Change on Heat Waves
Scientific research indicates that climate change is contributing to longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves globally. This trend is evident in Bangladesh, where students are braving the heat to attend school.
Challenges Faced by Students and Parents
As classes resume, anxious parents accompany their children to school, concerned about the extreme heat. Lucky Begum, a parent in Dhaka, expressed her worries about her daughter’s health due to the intense heat and humidity.
“The heat is too much,” she said. “She already got heat rashes from sweating. I hope she does not get sick.”
School Shutdown and Resumption
During the recent school shutdown, around 32 million students were affected, according to Save the Children. The education authorities have announced the reopening of schools, with some adjustments in schedules to cope with the heat wave.
- Preschools remain closed
- Primary school hours are shortened
Weather Forecast and Future Concerns
The Bangladesh weather bureau predicts that the heat wave will persist for the next three days, with a possibility of relief from rain thereafter. Meteorologists attribute the extreme temperatures to various factors, including climate change, urbanization, and deforestation.
According to Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, a meteorologist, this heat wave is unprecedented in its duration and coverage across the country. He warns that unless significant measures are taken to address the root causes, more severe heat waves are likely in the future.
