How rural Bangladesh is embracing the AC revolution

When Zobaida Khanam, a primary school teacher from Tangail, walks into her home these days, she's welcomed by a sound she never imagined she'd hear in her own living room—the gentle hum of an air conditioner.

"I teach at a government primary school. I'm just a regular middle-class woman," she says with a smile. "Even five years ago, buying an AC felt like a dream. But now, thanks to easy EMI plans, all I had to do was make a small down payment. It's made life so much more comfortable."

Zobaida's story is one of many that reflect a quiet but powerful shift happening in rural Bangladesh. As summers get hotter, and financial services become more accessible, air conditioners—once seen as a luxury for the wealthy—are slowly finding their way into everyday homes. Better technology, affordable payment options, and a rising demand for comfort are changing the way people live, one cool breeze at a time.

From urban comfort to rural relief

In 2021, only 0.43% of rural households in Bangladesh owned an air conditioner. By 2023, that number had nearly doubled to 0.79%, according to a report by The Business Standard's research team. 

While the urban jump was also notable—from 5.19% to 6.92%—it's the slow but steady rise in rural ownership that signals a shift in how Bangladesh's countryside is responding to the changing climate and consumer accessibility.

The national household ownership rate for ACs rose from 1.60% in 2021 to 2.28% in 2023—a modest percentage on paper, but a significant leap considering the logistical, economic, and infrastructural barriers that previously prevented many from even considering the purchase.

According to importers and manufacturers, demand has surged so drastically in recent weeks that sales have more than doubled compared to the usual season. Despite a rise in prices, by Tk500 to Tk1,500 depending on the brand, consumers are still buying, and sellers say the spike is being driven by more than just temperature.

Across Bangladesh, particularly in regions known for harsh summers like Dinajpur, the unbearable heat has become more frequent, more intense, and harder to manage. "Previously, I was afraid to buy an AC because even if I managed to buy one, I couldn't afford the electricity bills. But the ACs today are so energy-efficient that they cost almost the same to run as a ceiling fan. That convinced me," said Ranjan Sarker, a small business owner from Dinajpur.

The shift Ranjan refers to is largely thanks to technological advancement, most notably the development of inverter technology. These models not only cool spaces faster but do so with significantly less energy consumption, making them appealing to households that must watch every taka of their utility bills.

Sondip Biswas, deputy chief business officer of Walton Air Conditioner, confirmed this trend. "The company has witnessed huge sales growth this month. People are desperately seeking relief from the heat, and they trust Walton for quality, advanced features, and energy-efficient inverter technology," he told TBS.

EMI: the game-changer

For many middle-class and lower-middle-class families, the concept of dropping Tk50,000–60,000 on an air conditioner up front was simply unthinkable. But the emergence of instalment-based payment systems—or EMI—has rewritten that reality for them.

Retailers now allow buyers to secure an AC with as little as 10% of the total price as a down payment, followed by monthly instalments. It's a structure that has democratised access to appliances once reserved for wealthier families.

"This model has changed everything, people no longer have to compromise between comfort and affordability. And we're seeing this especially in second-tier towns and rural districts," said Abdul Halim, a showroom owner from a major appliance retailer in Naogaon.

Zobaida's story exemplifies that shift. Tangail, traditionally not associated with high-tech home appliances, now features local shops that not only sell ACs but also assist with instalment plans and after-sales service.

The impact on children, health, and emotion

For Aminul Islam, a private company employee shopping for an AC in Pabna's Faridpur upazila, the motivation to purchase was deeply personal. "I'm buying it for my five-year-old son. The heat is unbearable, and I just want to make sure he's comfortable at home."

This sentiment is echoed by many parents, especially those living in tin-roofed homes that become unbearably hot during peak summer months. While economic logic drives many purchases, emotional considerations—such as concern for children, the elderly, or family members with health conditions—are proving to be equally influential.

The correlation between heat and health is also a factor in the uptick. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures is known to exacerbate heart conditions, respiratory issues, and dehydration-related ailments. In this context, an air conditioner is no longer just about comfort—it's a protective measure.

Discounts and market competition are fueling growth

Increased demand has led to fierce competition among brands, resulting in seasonal promotional campaigns that further attract price-sensitive consumers. From Eid offers to summer sales, companies are cutting prices by as much as 30%–40%.

Tuku Miah, an employee at a news agency, took advantage of one such offer. "I bought my AC during the Eid offer when I got a 40% discount. Without that, I would never have been able to afford it," he shared.

The aggressive marketing campaigns, coupled with flexible financing and advancements in technology, are creating a near-perfect storm for AC sales—one that's sweeping beyond the cities and into the country's quieter, dustier corners.

The story behind the numbers

While statistics can reveal the trend, the true story lies in the people behind them—teachers like Zobaida, parents like Aminul, and small business owners like Ranjan—each with a different reason, but a shared goal: to bring a little more comfort into their homes.

They represent a rural population that is slowly but surely adapting to modern conveniences. And while the total percentage of AC ownership remains relatively low, the trajectory suggests a significant cultural shift underway—one driven not by extravagance, but by necessity, accessibility, and resilience.