The WB report said heat stress in Bangladesh’s garment factories has been linked to an increased risk of violence and harassment against women workers unable to meet production quotas. As South Asia prepares to add 280 million working-age people by 2050, rising temperatures are one of the greatest threats to jobs, productivity, and long-term economic growth in the region. “Extreme heat is already reducing labour productivity, disrupting businesses, and jeopardising the competitiveness of South Asia’s cities. WB Vice-President for South Asia Johannes Zutt said that building heat-resilient cities is not only about protecting people from rising temperatures. “It is about safeguarding jobs, boosting productivity, attracting investment, and ensuring that cities continue to drive economic growth.