The country’s lowest temperature was recorded at Ishwardi on Monday morning, as biting cold continued to grip Pabna and much of northern Bangladesh.
According to Nazmul Haque Ranjan, a weather observer at the Ishwardi meteorological office, the minimum temperature was recorded at 8.4 degrees Celsius at 9 am, the lowest anywhere in the country of the season.
The mercury has been fluctuating over recent days. On Sunday, the district recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. It stood at 9 degrees on Saturday, while Friday saw a low of 8.8 degrees Celsius.
The cold spell, driven by a mild cold wave and northerly winds, has intensified the chill across the region. Dense fog since early morning has limited visibility, with the sun remaining obscured for much of the day, disrupting daily work, particularly for day labourers and others dependent on outdoor jobs.
Although the fog lifted slightly after noon and sunshine emerged, it lacked warmth, offering little relief from the cold. The homeless and low-income groups are bearing the brunt, many struggling without adequate winter clothing and resorting to burning straw and firewood to keep warm.
Hospitals are also reporting a rise in cold-related illnesses. Pabna General Hospital Accounts Officer Sohel Rana said at least 60 patients were admitted in the past 24 hours with pneumonia and diarrhoea, with children and the elderly making up the majority of cases.
Livestock farmers are facing additional challenges, as prolonged cold affects animals. Many are lighting fires during the night and early morning to protect cattle from the harsh weather.
With cold conditions expected to persist, local residents remain anxious as winter tightens its grip on the northern districts.
