Severe cold grips Bangladesh, disrupts daily life

A severe cold wave continues to grip Bangladesh, disrupting daily life and disproportionately affecting day labourers and low-income communities. Dense fog has reduced visibility, hampering road and air transport, while hospitals are reporting a rise in cold-related illnesses.

The northern and southwestern districts remain the worst affected, particularly Rangpur, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Panchagarh and Nilphamari. Several southwestern districts are also experiencing intense cold conditions.

In Nilphamari, biting winds and persistent low temperatures have severely impacted normal activities.

The Dimla Weather Office recorded a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius at 9:00am on Sunday (December 28), with temperatures fluctuating between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius over the past week.

Cloudy skies have limited sunshine, intensifying the cold. Nilphamari Civil Surgeon Dr Abdur Razzak said hospitals are seeing more patients with cold-related illnesses, especially children and the elderly, and urged vulnerable groups to take precautions.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said a mild cold wave is sweeping over Jashore, Chuadanga, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj and Nilphamari and may persist in some areas. Although temperatures may rise slightly, foggy conditions are expected to maintain the cold feeling.

In its five-day forecast, the BMD said moderate to dense fog may form in parts of river basin areas from late night to morning on Tuesday and Wednesday, while light to moderate fog may occur elsewhere. Dry weather is expected to prevail across the country through Wednesday.

Meanwhile, dense fog forced eight flights bound for Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to divert to alternate airports on Saturday morning. According to an airport notice, three flights landed in Chattogram, four in Kolkata and one in Bangkok.