Severe Winter Chill Hits Rajshahi, Hardship Rises

The city of Rajshahi has been gripped by a severe cold spell over the past week, disrupting daily life and causing widespread discomfort. With temperatures steadily falling and biting winds sweeping through the streets, the brunt of the hardship is being borne by manual labourers and vulnerable residents who rely on daily wages to survive.

On Sunday, 21 December, the lowest temperature recorded at 6:00 am was 13.2°C, with humidity reaching 96 per cent. Meteorologists report that the sharp drop in temperatures, combined with wind chill, has made even mild conditions feel considerably colder, affecting normal routines and outdoor work.

The seasonal temperature trends in Rajshahi so far are as follows:

Despite temperatures remaining above 10°C, the strong winds amplify the sensation of cold, making outdoor work extremely challenging.

Rafiqul Islam, a construction worker from the Kadirganj area, described the situation: “Working in this bitter cold is very difficult. The wind makes it feel even colder. Yet, if I do not work, my family will go hungry.”

Similarly, Masuma Khatun, a domestic worker, said: “Labouring from morning until evening in this weather is extremely taxing. Even handling water becomes almost unbearable. But life leaves us no choice but to continue.”

Latifa Helen, a weather observer at the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, warned that this cold spell is expected to continue for another two to three days, urging residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities, to take precautionary measures.

For the city’s working-class population, these frigid conditions have transformed ordinary routines into a daily struggle for survival. Streets are noticeably emptier during the morning hours, and many outdoor activities are curtailed. As Rajshahi continues to shiver under this winter chill, the hardships faced by its residents underscore the stark realities of life for those with little shelter and limited means.