A bone-chilling cold wave continues to sweep across the eight districts of Rangpur division, with the mercury plunging to as low as 9 degrees Celsius. Heavy fog coupled with sharp, icy winds has amplified the harshness of the cold, leaving public life virtually paralyzed.
By 9am on Saturday, the entire area remained shrouded in thick fog, forcing vehicles to operate with headlights.
Sunlight has been absent in the region for three consecutive days, according to the Rangpur Meteorological Office. The lack of visibility is attributed to persistent cloudy skies and dense fog.
The extreme cold wave has triggered a surge in winter-related illnesses, including pneumonia, cold-induced diarrhoea, respiratory issues, and fever.
Rangpur Medical College Hospital reported the deaths of four children due to pneumonia in the past two days. Over 200 children are currently being treated for cold-related ailments at the hospital.
Abdul Quddus, from the hospital's director's office, stated that five children, including three newborns, succumbed to pneumonia in the last three days. Doctors have advised parents to keep children and elderly family members indoors.
The Rangpur Meteorological Office reported the following minimum temperatures on Saturday at 6am was reported in Dinajpur at 9.6°C.
Assistant Meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman explained that temperatures tend to drop further after 6am, which is contributing to the extreme conditions.
He warned that the cold spell is likely to persist throughout the week, with temperatures potentially dropping further.
The severe cold has brought rural and urban life to a standstill, with rural areas facing harsher conditions due to open fields and minimal protection. Many are resorting to burning straw to stay warm.
For impoverished families, the winter's severity has become unbearable due to a lack of adequate clothing. Some are reportedly confined to their homes, struggling with both cold and hunger.
A visit to Rangpur Medical College Hospital's paediatric ward revealed that 2–3 children are being treated per bed due to an influx of patients.
Dr Sakhawat, a physician at the ward, confirmed that the ward is over capacity, with many patients lying on the floor. Cold diarrhoea and pneumonia are the most commonly reported ailments.
Efforts are being made to distribute warm clothes and provide healthcare services, but the situation remains critical for those most vulnerable to the cold.
