Severe cold wave persists in Gaibandha, Naogaon, Barishal

A severe cold wave, marked by dense fog and icy winds from the Himalayas, has been sweeping through the northern district of Gaibandha, Naogaon, and Barishal for the past several days.

Our Correspondent from Gaibandha writes: The temperature in this region, surrounded by rivers and canals, is dropping further every day, adding to suffering of the common people.

According to the Rangpur Meteorological Department, the temperature in Gaibandha has been continuously dropping over the past three days.

The lowest temperature recorded in the district on Saturday (December 27) was 12.8 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologist Md. Mostafizur Rahman told the Financial Express that this situation is being considered as a cold wave.

Amid the extreme cold, fog starts falling from the evening, which gets thicker as the night progresses and keeps falling like rain.

Vehicles are seen moving with headlights on even during the daytime. The cold weather accompanied by fog has brought public life to a standstill.

Common people at the villages are trying to beat the cold by burning straw. Toiling masses are being forced to go out for work even amid extreme cold to get rid of hunger pangs. Some are covering their cattle with burlap sacks.

Autorickshaw drivers said they have to go out with their vehicles braving the biting cold to make a living for their families.

Abdur Razzak, an autorickshaw driver from Chakbarul village in Badiakhali union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila, told Financial Express, "Even with so many clothes on, the cold is not getting any better. But if we don't go out with vehicles, wheels of our families won't run."

UNB from Naogaon says: Residents, particularly low-income group, children and elderly ones in the northern district of Naogaon, are struggling to beat the biting cold amid dense fog coupled with winds.

Since the beginning of Poush, temperatures have started dropping, with Sunday recording a minimum of 12.2°C and humidity reaching 100 per cent.

Thick fog has blanketed the region, forcing most people to stay indoors unless necessary. Over the past few days, temperatures have fluctuated between 11°C and 12°C.

A visit revealed that day labourers were gathering at Mukti Mor, Bridge Mor, and Shivpur Bridge (Bypass) early in the morning, hoping to manage work.

Equipped with spades and baskets, these labourers rely on daily wages for survival. However, many return home empty-handed.

Sharing sufferings, seventy-year-old labourer Abul Kashem said, "We cannot stay indoors, but when we go out, fall ill with cold and cough. We live hand-to-mouth and reduced income has made life very difficult."

Echoing Kashem, another labourer Taslim said they must go out even in this harsh weather to earn bread.

Considering the situation, the district administration has initiated distributing warm clothes among vulnerable people.

Md. Ashekur Rahman, relief and rehabilitation officer of Naogaon, said each upazila has received Tk 0. 6 million (6 lakh) through the Upazila Nirbahi Officers to provide warm clothes for helpless day labourers and marginalised people.

Moreover, 7,500 blankets have been sent to the district and are being distributed, he added.

BSS from Barishal adds: Public life in Barishal district has been severely disrupted as a bitter cold spell accompanied by icy winds continues to grip the region, causing immense hardship for low-income and working-class people.

According to the district meteorological office, the lowest temperature recorded on Sunday was

13.4 degrees Celsius, while Saturday saw the season's lowest temperature at 12.4 degrees Celsius. Despite a slight reduction in morning fog, residents said the intensity of the cold has increased due to persistent freezing winds and the absence of sunshine for most of the day.

Locals reported that the bone-chilling wind has made the cold feel more severe than the actual temperature. Daily activities have slowed significantly, and fewer people are venturing out onto the streets. The situation has particularly affected day laborers, rickshaw pullers, and auto-rickshaw drivers, whose earnings have dropped sharply.

Sohel, an auto-rickshaw driver from the city's Notun Bazar area, said passenger numbers have declined over the past few days due to the cold, making it difficult to earn a living. Similarly, Liton, a rickshaw puller from Sadar road, said strong winds and extreme cold have made driving exhausting, while passengers are scarce.

The sudden rise in cold intensity has also increased patient inflow at local hospitals. Children and elderly people are reportedly suffering from cold-related illnesses, putting additional pressure on healthcare services.

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