The severity of winter has intensified in northern Bangladesh, with Kurigram district experiencing a sharp drop in temperature that has disrupted normal life.
For the past three consecutive days, temperatures in the district have remained below 10 degrees Celsius, worsening the suffering of low-income residents and people living in riverine char areas.
According to the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory, the lowest temperature recorded at 6:00am on Friday was 9 degrees Celsius, with humidity at 99 percent.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge of the Rajarhat Meteorological Office, confirmed the information, saying the minimum temperature was also 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday, while Tuesday saw a lower reading of 8.5 degrees Celsius.
Dense fog has enveloped the district from dawn through the morning hours, reducing visibility and slowing daily activities. Road movement has declined significantly, with daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers, and other low-income groups bearing the brunt of the cold.
Hospitals across the district are reporting a rise in cold-related illnesses. Doctors at the district Sadar Hospital and various upazila health complexes said the number of patients suffering from cold, cough, and fever has increased, particularly among children and the elderly.
The situation is most severe in river-surrounded char areas, where an estimated 550,000 people are struggling to cope with the cold. With limited shelter and exposure to open air, spending nights in biting cold has become increasingly difficult for char residents.
To mitigate the impact of winter, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin Sarkar said 27,000 blankets have so far been distributed across the district’s nine upazilas.
Meanwhile, preparations for winter have boosted activity in rural markets. Sales of blankets and warm clothing have increased noticeably, with shopkeepers reporting a surge in customers seeking protection from the cold.
As temperatures remain low, residents are urging authorities to expand relief efforts, particularly for vulnerable communities in the char areas.
