A cold wave is disrupting life across Rangpur division, with the mercury on Friday dropping to as low as 5.8° in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh, the lowest temperature this winter.
Fog enveloped the region at night and persisted into late morning.
Mostafizur Rahman from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s Rangpur office said temperatures in the division might fall further and even dip below 3°C in Panchagarh.
The harsh cold is severely affecting the homeless population, who, lacking winter clothing and blankets, resort to burning straws for warmth during the night.
People with low incomes have also been hit hard as they as they find it difficult to venture outside in such weather conditions.
Doctors are urging people, especially children, not to leave the house unless necessary.
The region is witnessing an uptick in cold-related illnesses, such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, mostly affecting children and the elderly.
