As Bangladesh grapples with the hottest months of the year, the country's vital garment industry is facing a severe crisis. Rising temperatures, often exceeding 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit) with high humidity, are leaving workers in sweltering factories where, due to energy shortages sparked by Middle Eastern conflict, many owners have turned off cooling systems to save costs. Experts report a spike in health issues among employees, including dizziness, fainting, and extreme exhaustion, while productivity has plummeted. With 95 percent of the country’s energy reliant on expensive imports, the resulting power outages are not just disrupting manufacturing; they are costing the economy billions and threatening the livelihoods of millions.

Despite the growing danger, systemic protections for workers remain dangerously thin. While local authorities have proposed climate action plans—such as heat-warning systems and urban greening—progress has largely stalled due to recent political instability. Currently, there is no standardized regulatory framework that mandates heat-stress safeguards, such as compulsory breaks during extreme temperatures or formal recognition of heat fatigue as a workplace hazard. As global fashion brands continue to focus on decarbonization rather than direct worker protection, activists and labor leaders are calling for urgent funding and improved factory conditions to ensure that the people powering the global clothing supply chain are not sacrificed to the heat.