Heat waves can't beat hunger: Struggles of rickshaw pullers

The recent heat wave in Bangladesh has pushed temperatures to dangerous levels, with daily highs soaring. Such extreme conditions pose a serious risk to public health, leading to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. The government, recognizing the severity of the situation, has taken precautionary measures by shutting down educational institutions to ensure the safety of students. The heat is simply not feasible.

But turning the pages, there are stories. Stories of plight, along with stories of struggling, are usually never written. While schools, colleges, and universities are afraid of facing heat even after having a strong, furnished wall, there's a harsh reality that often goes unnoticed—one that is epitomized by the struggles of rickshaw pullers during a severe heat wave.

Bangladesh's transportation system is chaotic, with piles of traffic jams on the roads on the left and right. Rickshaw pullers are the lifeblood of Dhaka's transportation system, providing an essential service to millions of people daily. Under normal conditions, their task is physically tricky; nevertheless, it becomes a highly taxing test of endurance during a heat wave.

Rickshaw pullers have little choice but to brave the heat, whereas people living in cities may go home or seek safety in air-conditioned buildings. They push their rickshaws in the sweltering sun, often without access to clean water or breaks, with only a tiny scrap of cloth or an umbrella for shade. Exhaustion and dehydration set in as a result of the oppressive heat. However, they continue because they are determined to provide for their family.

The heat wave cannot beat the weight of hunger and responsibility.

The heat wave's impact on rickshaw pullers is a sobering reminder of pervasive social inequality. Some people can afford to remain inside or work in climate-controlled settings, while others have little choice but to endure dangerous circumstances just to get by. Because of this inequality, those most at risk from the effects of severe weather should get extra aid and protection.

There are limited healthcare and social safety nets available to rickshaw pullers, who are often among society's lowest-income members. Because of the nature of their work, people working in such hot conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related ailments.

There is no doubt that they are continually marginalized in our society. People never even think twice about misbehaving with them sometimes. They cannot protest or tolerate it. The silent pain never comes out while dealing with responsibility and duties, maybe as a father or brother. That's how Life goes on for these heroes behind the curtails.

Muhammad Rahtamulla is a rickshaw puller in Dhaka. He added that he gets exhausted every day as he leaves his house and rides his Rickshaw down the road due to the intense heat. He never runs out of vigour to carry on. Once again, however, he is at a loss for options since his family will ultimately be able to feed him, given his little earnings.

The rickshaw pullers' difficulties during a heat wave demonstrate the perseverance and will of those who toil in the harshest environments. Both their experiences and the sacrifices they made should be acknowledged and honoured. In the face of the difficulties a changing climate poses, we must remember the people who will suffer the most and unite to protect them.

mdimran-2020512459@ir.du.ac.bd