Bangladesh Lost 25 Million Working Hours Worth Nearly $1.78 Billion In 2024: WB Report

Bangladesh lost 25 million working hours, valued at nearly US\$1.78 billion, in 2024 due to heat-related health impacts, according to a World Bank report launched in Dhaka today.

The report noted that the lost hours represent 0.3 to 0.4 percent of the country’s GDP and warned that Bangladesh could lose up to 4.9 percent of its GDP by 2030 if the trend continues.

It highlighted that extreme heat affects both mental health and productivity, with higher incidences of cold-related illnesses, diarrhoea, and depression recorded during the summer compared to winter.

The report also said Dhaka is more vulnerable to these challenges than other cities and rural areas in the country.