Six children have died of pneumonia at Rangpur Medical College Hospital over the last three days, as a cold spell continued to affect all eight districts of Rangpur division on Wednesday.
Additionally, around 150 children are currently being treated at the hospital, with many suffering from cold-related illnesses.
According to Abdul Kuddus from the hospital's record office, three of the deceased were newborns aged just eight to 10 days.
The ongoing winter, marked by freezing winds and dense fog, has severely disrupted daily life in the region.
Despite the mercury hovering around 11°C, the harsh winds have amplified the cold, leaving residents struggling to cope.
Dense fog blankets the region throughout the day, forcing vehicles to use headlights even at midday.
In Rangpur, people have not seen sunlight for two consecutive days, adding to the challenges.
The extreme cold has triggered widespread health issues such as pneumonia, cold-related diarrhoea, respiratory distress, and fever.
Hospitals are struggling to manage the surge in patients, while many families in rural areas are relying on straw fires to stay warm.
The Rangpur met office reported that the lowest temperature in the country was at 11.5°C on Wednesday morning in Panchagarh's Tetulia and Thakurgaon.
Rangpur recorded 13°C, while Saidpur in Nilphamari reported 12°C, Kurigram’s Rajarhat 12.3°C, Dinajpur 12.8°C, Dimla in Nilphamari 12.6°C, and Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha both recorded 12.5°C.
Humidity levels varied between 59% and 100%.
Meteorologists noted an unusual trend of temperatures dropping further as the day progresses, which is atypical for this time of year.
Assistant Meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman explained that while early January saw harsher conditions in Panchagarh and Dinajpur, the cold is now uniformly intense across the division.
The current cold wave is expected to persist for another four-five days.
Rural areas are feeling the brunt of the cold due to open fields and vegetation, where the chill is even more pronounced.
Homeless and impoverished families are the worst affected, struggling to survive without adequate winter clothing.
Many are unable to work, leaving them to face hunger and hardship.
Residents have criticized the inadequate distribution of winter clothing by the government, which has left vulnerable groups at greater risk.
Meanwhile, Rangpur Medical College Hospital is overwhelmed with patients, primarily children, suffering from fevers, pneumonia, and cold diarrhoea.
With no available beds, only the most critical cases are being admitted.
Dr Sirajul Islam, a professor in the medicine department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital, has urged parents to keep children and elderly family members indoors to reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses as the severe weather continues.