Biting cold, dense fog and icy winds have disrupted daily life across northern Bangladesh, with Dinajpur and Kurigram bearing the brunt as temperatures dipped and a cold wave warning loomed.
In Dinajpur, normal activities in the district headquarters and surrounding areas slowed sharply from early Tuesday as thick fog blanketed roads and open fields, reducing visibility and keeping people indoors unless absolutely necessary.
According to the Dinajpur Weather Office, the district recorded a minimum temperature of 13 degrees Celsius on Monday, with humidity at 97 per cent.
Crowded points such as Station Road and Bahadur Bazar saw unusually thin footfall, while residents venturing out wrapped themselves in heavy winter clothing to cope with the chill, locals said.
The hardship has been most severe for farmers, rickshaw-pullers and day labourers, particularly in open and rural areas of Dinajpur Sadar, where the cold bite is felt more intensely.
Akram Ali of Pulhat area said working outdoors has become extremely difficult due to fog and cold winds, while farmer Mahabur Alam of Sheikhpura village said fieldwork has been badly affected by persistent cold and mist.
Weather Office in-Charge Md Tofazzal Hossain said daytime temperatures may fall further in the coming days, while night temperatures are likely to decline steadily after December 23.
He warned that a mild to moderate cold wave could sweep through parts of the district towards the end of December, adding that the cold is expected to intensify.
He also said hospitals have started seeing a rise in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses.
A similar situation has unfolded in Kurigram, where icy winds and thick fog have left public life largely stagnant across the district.
The district recorded its minimum temperature at 12 degrees Celsius at 6am on Tuesday, according to the Rajarhat Agricultural Weather Observatory.
Dense fog has disrupted traffic on highways and regional roads, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on, increasing travel time and passenger suffering.
Low-income people, day labourers and residents of char areas have been hit hardest, with many unable to leave home for work due to the cold.
River routes have also been affected, as boats struggled to navigate through thick fog, leaving boatmen facing severe income losses.
Rickshaw-puller Raju Mia said he has been unable to work for the past two to three days due to the cold, adding that without daily earnings, feeding his family has become a struggle.
Rajarhat Agricultural Weather Observatory Acting Officer Subal Chandra said cold and foggy conditions are likely to persist over the next few days, with a mild cold wave also possible in the district.
With winter tightening its grip across the north, residents in both districts are bracing for harsher days ahead as authorities monitor the situation.
