The lowest temperature of the country was recorded at 9.9 degrees Celsius in Naogaon’s Badalgacchi upazila on Saturday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
Hamidul Haque, an officer of the Badalgachhi Upazila Weather Observatory Center in Naogaon, said the local Met office recorded 9.9°C at 9 am on Saturday, which is the lowest temperature this season in the country.
The district recorded 12 degrees Celsius temperature on Friday and Thursday.
Earlier, Panchagarh’s Tetulia recorded 11.7 degrees Celsius temperature.
According to the Met office, temperature ranging from 10-8 degrees Celsius is considered a mild cold wave while 8-6 degrees Celsius is moderate cold wave and below 6 degrees Celsius is considered a severe cold wave.
The residents of the district are grappling with disruptions to daily life caused by heavy fog and chilly winds. Low-income people , particularly day laborers, are among the worst affected.
Abdul Malek, a rickshaw puller, said "Even though the sun is out, the biting wind makes it very cold. My hands and feet are freezing. I’d rather stay in bed wrapped in a blanket, but how can I do it with an empty stomach?"
Besides, cold-related illnesses are also on the rise in the district.
Some 60 children are undergoing treatment at the 250-bed Naogaon General Hospital in the pediatric department and diarrhea wards as of 10:30am on Saturday.
Many were admitted with colds, fevers, pneumonia, and diarrhea over the past few days. Due to bed shortages, some beds are being shared by two children, while others are staying on the floor at corridors and wards.
Zahid Nazrul Islam, supervisor of the hospital, said that cold weather is causing various illnesses among children and the elderly people.
He advised vulnerable groups to stay indoors as much as possible during the cold spell.
Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Alim said that a request has been made to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief for the allocation of warm cloths for the cold-stricken people of the district.
He added that a private organiaation handed over 400 blankets to the district administration for distribution.
