Climate change has emerged as a major policy challenge for labour, public health and the economy, speakers observed at a roundtable discussion marking World Environment Day.
The event, titled “Climate Crisis and the Future of Work: Towards a Sustainable and Just Bangladesh,” was organised by the National Alliance for Just Transition Bangladesh (NAJTB) in collaboration with the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme at the National Press Club on Monday.
Chaired by NAJTB Executive Coordinator Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, the discussion brought together trade union leaders, civil society representatives, environmental activists, and youth and women leaders.
Raisul Islam Khan, Programme Director of the Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), said the climate crisis is no longer solely an environmental issue but a growing threat to workers, public health and the national economy.
Presenting the keynote paper, BLF Programme Officer Md Zubayer Alam highlighted that Bangladesh experienced one of its longest and most severe heatwaves in 2024, with temperatures exceeding 43°C in some areas. Rising temperatures continue to expose workers to dehydration, heatstroke and other health risks.
Speakers noted that extreme heat, power shortages and unplanned urbanisation are forcing workers to endure hazardous working conditions. Studies indicate that heat-related impacts result in the loss of around 250 million working hours annually, causing economic losses of approximately US$1.78 billion, equivalent to 0.4 percent of GDP.
They warned that without effective adaptation measures, Bangladesh’s garment sector could face significant export losses and job risks by 2030.
Among others, Nurul Amin, Kutubuddin Ahmed, Farzana Yasmin, Sohanur Rahman, Kalpona Akter and Abul Kalam Azad stressed the need for worker-centred climate policies, investment in renewable energy and stronger social protection measures.
In his closing remarks, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed called for mandatory heat-protection measures, climate-resilient housing, safe public transport and stronger representation of workers’ concerns in global climate forums.
