After a severe heatwave a week ago that forced classes in Bangladesh, where the country baked in temperatures that rose well over 40 degrees Celsius, the country’s schools reopened on Sunday ( May 5 ) and continued classes over the weekend.
Despite the worst heatwave in seven years sending temperatures as high as 43.8 degree Fahrenheit next month, Bangladesh has remained open to some 33 million learners.
Professionals in the area warned that the heat could cause more inequalities and widen the gap between developing and developed countries in the tropics.
Bangladesh, which follows the Muslim work week from Sunday to Thursday, did hold lessons on Saturdays until further notice, the learning department said. Schools do opened on Friday, according to Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, if necessary.
Kids have welcomed the choice.
” Children do n’t want to study at home. Fatema Akhtar, who was waiting to pick up her level two girl outside a university, said,” This will help them make up for the loss.”
Experts have said climate change is causing more numerous, intense, and prolonged warmth waves during summer months.
The UN children’s company has estimated that one in three children, or almost 20 million children, in reduced- lying Bangladesh bear the brunt of quite culture change every day.
Individually, a fire that broke out amid the heat on Saturday and spread across three acres of the Sundarbans, the nation’s largest tidal forest that is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, was brought under control on Sunday, authorities said.
The crucial apparel industry, which accounts for more than 80 % of exports and products retailers like H&, M, Walmart, and Gap Inc., has experienced frequent power outages as a result of severe heatwaves.