A wave of severe cold in 12 districts

A dense blanket of fog has enveloped large parts of the country, stretching from the northern regions through the central plains and reaching the south-west. The pervasive fog, combined with cold winds descending from the Himalayas, has obscured sunlight in many areas even during daytime hours. Over the past 24 hours, the nation has recorded a further drop in minimum temperatures, which have fallen by approximately one degree Celsius.

Yesterday, a severe cold wave was reported across a total of twelve districts, including eight districts of the Rajshahi Division, along with Kushtia, Chuadanga, Jessore, and Dinajpur.

Impact on Daily Life and Transport

The harsh winter and thick fog have disrupted normal life in most parts of the country, including the capital city. Visibility during the morning and late morning hours has been reduced to as little as 50–100 metres in several regions, significantly affecting both road and river transport.

On the river routes of Daulatdia–Paturia in Rajbari–Manikganj and Aricha–Kazi’s Ghat in Manikganj–Pabna, ferry operations were suspended to prevent accidents. The Daulatdia–Paturia ferry resumed service at 7:15 a.m. after nearly seven hours, while the Aricha–Kazi’s Ghat route reopened around 9:15 a.m., after nearly ten hours of suspension.

Temperature Records

According to the Meteorological Department, the lowest temperature yesterday was recorded at Ishwardi in Pabna at 8.4°C. The previous day, Sunday, the minimum temperature had been 9.5°C in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. Meanwhile, Dhaka recorded a slight increase of one degree Celsius compared with the previous day, although the cold remained keenly felt due to persistent fog.

Meteorologist Tariful Nawaz Kabir noted that the cold wave has expanded its reach, lowering temperatures across the country. He predicted a slight rise in temperature on Tuesday and Wednesday but cautioned that relief from fog and cold would remain minimal, with biting cold likely to persist for several more days.

Health Advisory

In response to the cold wave, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued urgent directives to hospitals nationwide. Authorities have been instructed to take emergency measures to tackle winter-related illnesses such as pneumonia, respiratory distress, and diarrhoea. Hospitals must repair broken infrastructure allowing cold air to enter, ensure the provision of blankets and mosquito nets for admitted patients, and maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines. Special emphasis has been placed on mandatory evening rounds in paediatric and medicine wards.