Panchagarh records season's lowest temperature

Bangladesh’s northernmost district of Panchagarh has recorded the season’s lowest temperature, with intensifying cold and dense fog disrupting daily activities, particularly for low-income residents.

The Tetulia meteorological observatory recorded the temperature at 10.5 degrees Celsius at 9:00 am on Saturday, the lowest so far this winter, according to acting station chief Jitendranath Roy. Air humidity at the time stood at 95 per cent.

Panchagarh, often referred to as the “daughter of the Himalayas” for its proximity to the mountain range, routinely experiences some of the country’s chilliest winter conditions. Early-morning and nighttime temperatures have dropped sharply in recent days, leaving many struggling to cope.

In rural areas, labourers and low-income families were seen burning straw and leaves at dawn to stay warm. Thick fog blanketed the district through the early hours before giving way to sunshine later in the day, reports bdnews24.com.

Babul, an agricultural worker from Bhashainagar in Boda Upazila, said the bitter cold made it difficult to begin work at dawn. “My hands and feet go numb. But if I don’t work, how will I eat?” he said.

Fazlar Rahman from Molani Para in Panchagarh Sadar Upazila said residents woke before sunrise for prayers despite the biting cold. “After Fajr, we go out for a walk, but it’s freezing,” he said.

Van driver Ashraful from Atwari’s Satkhamar village said fewer people were travelling in the mornings, reducing his daily earnings.

Doctors say seasonal illnesses are rising.

Children and the elderly were particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, diarrhoea and respiratory infections, according to Dr Monowar Hossain of Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital. “We are advising precautions and providing treatment,” he said.

The weather office said temperatures in recent days had hovered around 12 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists warn that one or two cold waves could sweep through Panchagarh by mid-December if current trends continue.