Dhaka, April 30 -- Bangladesh, a nation nestled in the fertile delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, is no stranger to heat. However, in recent years, the intensity and duration of heatwaves have reached alarming levels. This excessive heat isn't merely an inconvenience; it is morphing into a formidable threat, exacerbating poverty and jeopardising the livelihoods of millions of Bangladeshis.

Bangladesh's economy relies heavily on agriculture, with a significant portion of the workforce toiling under the unforgiving sun. Farmers, particularly small-scale cultivators, lack access to resources like greenhouses or shade nets that could mitigate the impact of heat stress. As temperatures soar, the duration of a productive workday shrin...