A severe cold wave has gripped Rowmari in Kurigram, disrupting normal life as the sun has remained largely unseen for nearly 16 consecutive days amid biting cold, dense fog and icy winds.
The lowest temperature in the area was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius at 8am on Sunday, while air humidity stood at a maximum of 99 per cent, according to local observations.
Prolonged cold and lack of sunshine have paralysed daily activities in the upazila, forcing many villagers to light fires to keep warm as temperatures continue to fall due to persistent cold winds during the day.
With thick fog and chilling winds from early morning, working people have been unable to leave their homes, leaving day labourers, boatmen, agricultural workers, stone-breaking labourers and transport drivers without income.
Many families are passing days without proper meals as breadwinners fail to work due to the intense cold, locals said.
Health risks have also increased, particularly for children and the elderly, with rising cases of pneumonia, cold-related illnesses and breathing difficulties.
Around seven to eight children and elderly people are being admitted to the upazila health complex every day, creating pressure on local medical staff, while many char areas are yet to receive adequate winter clothing.
Complaints have also surfaced that government and private assistance remains far below actual needs in several areas.
“Due to the cold, I cannot work, and without any extra income my family is passing days in hardship and hunger,” said Fazal Haque, a stone-breaking labourer from Rowmari Sadar Union.
“The cold has been severe for several days, and my hands and feet feel frozen, making driving extremely difficult,” said Mominul Islam, a vehicle driver from Bondober Union, adding that his family survives on his daily earnings.
“Our condition is miserable because of dense fog and cold winds, but no one comes to see us,” said Sagar Ahmed Islam of Char Shoulemari.
Daily admissions of children and elderly patients with respiratory problems are increasing, and the situation may worsen further if the cold persists, said Rowmari Upazila Health Complex Resident Medical Officer Nabiur Rahman.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Kaium Chowdhury said dense fog over the past few days has created the risk of crop damage on around 15 hectares of land, including three hectares of Boro seedbeds, eight hectares of mustard, three hectares of wheat and one hectare of potato.
If Boro seedbeds are damaged, farmers will face serious losses, and the department has been providing advice to farmers to minimise damage, he said.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md Shamjuddin said 1,300 blankets have so far been received and distributed among cold-stricken people in all unions with the help of local representatives, adding that more will be distributed if further allocations are received.
