A persistent cold wave has gripped Rangpur division for several days, intensifying the suffering of poor and marginalized people and threatening their livelihoods.
The lowest temperature was recorded at 7.7 degrees Celsius in Tentulia of Panchagarh district on Sunday. In the remaining seven districts of the division, temperatures ranged between 9 and 10 degrees Celsius.
The severe cold has led to a rise in cold-related illnesses, including pneumonia, fever, diarrhoea and respiratory complications. Over the past 24 hours, nine patients—five elderly men and women and four children—died while undergoing treatment for cold-related diseases at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
The information was confirmed by Momtaz Uddin, an employee of the hospital’s Sardar’s office.
According to the Rangpur Meteorological Office, temperatures recorded at 6am on Sunday were 7.7°C in Tentulia (Panchagarh), 10°C in Syedpur (Nilphamari), 10°C in Rajarhat (Kurigram), 9.8°C in Dinajpur, 10.2°C in Rangpur, 10°C in Dimla (Nilphamari), 9.5°C in Thakurgaon, 10°C in Lalmonirhat and 10.5°C in Gaibandha.
Assistant Meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman said that although the region received brief sunshine for two to three hours, cold winds blowing throughout the day have intensified the severity of winter across the division.
Meanwhile, sources at the Rangpur Divisional Administrator’s office said requests had been submitted for adequate winter clothing for cold-affected people in all eight districts, but allocations remain far below demand. Despite repeated appeals, sufficient blankets have not been supplied, worsening the plight of poor and vulnerable communities. Many people are reportedly burning straw to keep warm.
Hospitals across the region are also facing growing pressure as patient numbers rise. Hundreds of children suffering from cold-related illnesses are visiting the outpatient department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital every day, crowding the facility along with their attendants.