As a cold wave sweeps through Bangladesh, dense fog and biting winds have brought daily life to a standstill in several regions.
The northern districts, particularly Chuadanga and Dinajpur, are among the hardest hit, with temperatures dipping below 10°C. For many, these chilly conditions have created hardships as they struggle to go about their everyday tasks.
Chuadanga has recorded the country's lowest temperature, 9.8°C, with humidity levels reaching 95%, according to the local Meteorological Office.
In response to the biting cold, residents have resorted to lighting fires to stay warm. The situation is similarly grim in nearby districts like Dinajpur and Lalmonirhat, where the cold is severely affecting daily routines.
Farmers in these regions, especially those working near the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers, have been forced to endure the harsh weather to protect their crops. While these workers brave the chill, many day labourers and transport workers have been left without jobs as few people are venturing outside.
The cold wave has not only disrupted livelihoods but also caused a significant uptick in cold-related illnesses. Hospitals across northern districts, including Rangpur and Panchagarh, are reporting a surge in patients with pneumonia, respiratory infections, and other ailments.
Doctors are particularly concerned about elderly and vulnerable patients, who are struggling to cope with the frigid conditions.
In Dhaka, dense fog has enveloped the city, reducing visibility to the extent that vehicles now drive with headlights on even during the day. With temperatures hovering around 13.8°C, the capital’s streets are unusually quiet as people stay indoors to avoid the cold.
For the past few days, the sun has barely been visible, and chilly winds have added to the discomfort.
The port city of Chittagong, while not as cold as the northern regions, has also been affected. Temperatures have dropped slightly, from 16.5°C to 15.7°C.
The situation is no different in Tangail, where temperatures have dropped to 11.8°C. The cold, combined with humidity levels of up to 95%, has forced residents to stay indoors, leaving the streets nearly deserted. Those who do venture out often gather around makeshift fires, using straw and other materials to ward off the cold.
Despite efforts by local administrations to distribute warm clothes, the demand far exceeds supply.
Many low-income families are unable to afford proper winter clothing, leaving them to suffer through the harsh conditions.
In Dinajpur and Rangpur, the situation is particularly dire, as the distribution of warm clothing falls short of meeting the needs of the affected population.
As temperatures continue to drop, there is growing concern that the cold wave may persist for several more days.
The Meteorological Department has urged people to take precautions as the freezing weather, accompanied by dense fog, poses a significant risk to health and daily activities.
The chilly start to the new year has raised alarm across the country, with weather experts predicting the possibility of another cold spell later in January.
As the cold wave intensifies, those living in rural areas and working in agriculture and transportation remain the most vulnerable, their daily lives disrupted as they struggle to cope with the unforgiving weather.
