Dhaka, April 25 -- Excessive heatwaves in Bangladesh have emerged as a significant threat to the country's economy, impacting various sectors and exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities. As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent and severe, the economic repercussions are profound, affecting agriculture, industry, health, infrastructure, and overall productivity.

The agricultural sector, which employs a substantial portion of the population in Bangladesh, bears the brunt of heatwave-induced damages. Prolonged periods of extreme heat lead to water stress, reduced soil moisture, and heat-related stress on crops.

Staple crops such as rice, wheat, and jute are particularly vulnerable, with heatwaves disrupting planting sche...