DHAKA - As heatwave sweeps large parts of Bangladesh, the South Asian country has issued an emergency advisory urging people to remain cautious and take protective measures.

In an advisory on Monday, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health, warned to avoid exposure to heat and sun, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, those with obesity, and those suffering of chronic illnesses, particularly heart disease and high blood pressure.

It called to avoid unnecessary physical exertion both indoors and outdoors.

The DGHS further urged people to monitor their urine color, noting that dark yellow urine indicates dehydration and the need to increase fluid intake.

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It also recommended bathing multiple times a day, if possible, as a way to lower body temperature.

Bangladesh is currently grappling with one of the most severe heatwaves in recent years.

Mercury rose to 42 °C on Sunday in the country's Chuadanga district, some 215 km west of Dhaka, this year's highest temperature, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Bangladesh's capital Dhaka experienced its hottest day of the season on Saturday, with temperatures soaring to 40.1 °C.