Life in Cox’s Bazar has been disrupted by intense heat, pushing people to seek relief in lemon juice sold at roadside stalls.
As temperatures continue to rise, many residents are gathering at small juice and sherbet stalls, where fresh and chilled drinks are available for as little as Tk 10. Vendors say demand has increased significantly with the heat.
Md Selim, a juice seller, said sales have gone up notably due to the ongoing heatwave. “We are selling much more juice now as the temperature rises,” he said.
Customers also expressed relief after consuming the cold drinks. A customer, Solaiman, said, “Having a glass of juice in this heat brings instant comfort.”
However, health experts have raised concerns over potential hygiene risks associated with roadside drinks, particularly lemon juice.
They warned that in many cases, the water used may be unsafe, and containers are unclean. Glasses are often reused without being washed thoroughly.
Doctors cautioned that repeated use of the same glass can easily spread germs from one person to another. If an infected person uses a glass and it is not properly cleaned, it increases the risk of transmission.
Experts have advised people to be cautious when consuming beverages from outside sources and, if possible, to choose safe and hygienic options.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
