Hit by extreme heat, thousands of Bangladeshis pray for rain

As reported by Wionews, Friday (26/4/2024), researchers said that global climate change is causing heat waves to last longer, more frequently, and be hotter.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Meteorology, the average maximum temperature in the country’s capital Dhaka over the past week was 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than the average maximum temperature in 30 years.

Thousands of worshipers gathered at mosques in the city and in fields outside the city to pray for rain as hot temperatures in Bangladesh are expected to continue for the next week.

“Praying for rain is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. We repent for our sins and ask for forgiveness for the rain to drench our country,” said the cleric who led the 1,000 congregation, Muhammad Abu Yusuf to the AFP news agency.

“Life is getting worse because of the lack of rain, while the poor are suffering even more,” he added.

Local police stated that the worship was also carried out in several other cities in Bangladesh.

The country’s largest party, Jamaat-e-Islami, asked its members to participate in prayers planned last Wednesday and yesterday.

Last week, authorities ordered all schools to cancel classes until the end of this month after temperatures in the country were recorded at more than 42 degrees Celsius.

(wbs)