Life in Dinajpur has been severely disrupted by a persistent cold wave, with temperatures fluctuating between 10-12°C over the past week.
The mercury dropped to 9.9°C on Sunday morning, slightly up from Saturday's 9.2°C, according to the Dinajpur Meteorological Office.
Night-time fog, light rain, and chilly northern winds with a speed of 3km/h have intensified the cold. Thick fog during the day has forced vehicles to operate with headlights on.
Low-income individuals, particularly day labourers, are bearing the brunt of the cold as they lack adequate warm clothing, making it difficult for them to leave their homes in the morning for work.
Many roads remain deserted after the afternoon as people prefer to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Farmers have also been affected, with agricultural workers unable to work in the fields due to the extreme weather, worsening their hardship.
Dinajpur Meteorological Office In-charge Tofazzal Hossain said the current weather conditions are expected to persist for a few more days.
Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable, with an increase in cases of diarrhoea, pneumonia, and respiratory illnesses reported.
Dr Wares, a paediatrician at Shishu Hospital in Dinajpur, said: “The elderly are the most affected by cold-related viral diseases. Doctors and nurses are struggling to keep up with the influx of patients seeking treatment.”
