As Bangladesh remains in the grip of an intense heatwave, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a health advisory to safeguard public well-being, especially vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with disabilities, those with pre-existing health conditions, and outdoor workers.
To reduce heat-related health risks, the DGHS has provided the following seven guidelines:
· Use umbrellas, caps, or hats when outdoors during the day.
· Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
· Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
· Shower multiple times a day, if possible.
· Avoid spicy, oily, stale, or uncovered foods.
· Check urine colour — dark yellow may signal dehydration.
· Seek medical help immediately if feeling unwell due to heat.
The heatwave has been ongoing since the end of the Bengali month of Boishakh. On Saturday, Chuadanga recorded this year’s highest temperature at 42°C.
However, scattered rain in parts of the country on Sunday evening brought slight relief.
