Naogaon residents are enduring bone-chilling cold in the middle of the Bengali month of Magh as temperatures drop to a seasonal low.
Despite a fog-free and cloudless sky since morning, the bitter cold, exacerbated by icy winds, has caused significant suffering for low-income earners.
According to the Meteorological Office, Naogaon recorded its lowest temperature this winter at 8.6°C on Sunday morning, down from 10.7°C on Saturday.
Locals said that while the sun has been visible for the past two days, the temperature begins to drop in the afternoon, with the cold intensifying at night.
Low-income workers and farmers are particularly affected.
Many, clad in thick warm clothing, brave the cold on foot or by bicycle to reach their destinations.
The winter chill is also slowing down Boro rice planting.
Mofiz, a rickshaw puller from the Baludanga bus stand area, said: "There was less fog this morning, but the wind made it colder. It becomes extremely difficult to drive a rickshaw in the afternoon as the temperature drops further."
Abdul Matin, a farmer from Sarail village in Shikarpur union, echoed this sentiment: "The sun has been shining for two days, but it’s impossible to work in the field early in the morning. Stepping into the water feels like touching ice. We can only start planting rice after 8 or 9am."
The cold has also led to a rise in winter-related illnesses, causing increased patient pressure in outpatient departments of district and upazila hospitals. Doctors are providing treatment and advising measures to avoid cold-related diseases.
Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge of the Badalgachhi Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, said: "There was less fog today as the sky remained clear, allowing the sun to shine. However, despite the absence of fog, the temperature dropped to 8.6°C, making it the coldest day in Naogaon this season."
