Chuadanga, a district in south western Bangladesh, is reeling under a cold spell as dense fog and icy wind continue to sweep the area.
For the past few days, residents have been experiencing sharp fluctuations in temperature from morning to evening, intensifying the chill.
Overcast skies, thick fog and cold winds have pushed up the severity of winter, while the absence of sunshine throughout the day has brought daily life to a near standstill. The brunt of the cold is being borne by the homeless, day labourers and low-income groups.
According to the district’s met office, the minimum temperature recorded in Chuadanga on Wednesday morning was 10.6 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels reaching 95 percent. Officials said temperature has been falling steadily over the past several days.
Cloudy skies and limited sunlight have narrowed the gap between day and night temperatures, making the cold feel more intense.
As the cold deepens, hardship is mounting for working-class people. Hospitals are also seeing a rise in winter-related illnesses.
Authorities at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital said the number of patients suffering from diarrhoea, colds, coughs, pneumonia and respiratory problems, especially among children, has increased compared to last week. Cases of rotavirus-related diarrhoea are also on the rise, they added.
