Climate change threatens Bangladesh's economy as productivity declines: Speakers

Extreme heatwaves linked to climate change creating fresh concerns for Bangladesh's labour productivity and economic stability, with millions of working hours being lost each year due to extreme temperatures, energy shortages and deteriorating workplace conditions. 

These concerns were highlighted during a roundtable discussion titled "Climate Crisis and the Future of labour: Towards a Sustainable and Just Bangladesh", organised at the National Press Club to mark World Environment Day 2026.

The event was hosted jointly by the National Alliance for Just Transition Bangladesh (NAJTB) and the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) initiative, said a press statement issued today (8 June).

According to the statement, Bangladesh is facing a multidimensional climate crisis. Rising global temperatures, unplanned urbanisation, environmental degradation and energy insecurity are collectively affecting public health, labour productivity and economic resilience.

The economic consequences could worsen significantly if current trends continue, it added.

The statement said, "At the beginning of 2026, global geopolitical instability and interruptions to energy supplies contributed to increased electricity shortages and load-shedding across the country."

"As a result, production activities were disrupted, particularly in Dhaka and surrounding industrial zones, including the vital garment manufacturing sector," it added.

Citing research by Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) Global Labor Institute (GLI), speakers at the event noted that by 2030, these regions could face a substantial loss of nearly $65 billion in export earnings and almost 1 million jobs due to climate-induced disruptions.

Besides, research findings indicated that prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney-related illnesses, heatstroke and workplace accidents. Pregnant women, older people, children and outdoor workers were identified as the most vulnerable groups.

Speaking at the event, Abul Kalam Azad, representing Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), argued that energy transition should not be viewed solely as a technological shift, but as a process closely linked to workers' rights, local communities and economic justice.

The chief guest, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, executive director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), said the impacts of the climate crisis must be addressed through policies that consider economic, labour and social protection dimensions simultaneously.

He emphasised the need to prioritise workers' livelihoods, safe working conditions and social security measures.

The roundtable also recommended recognising heat-related risks as occupational hazards under labour law, introducing mandatory rest periods when temperatures exceed specified thresholds, ensuring access to safe drinking water, expanding urban greening initiatives, developing heatwave-responsive social protection programmes and increasing investment in renewable energy.