The country is shivering in winter, with fears of an intensifying cold wave.

As the first fortnight of Paush unfolds, the entire country is shivering under an early winter chill, with the southern and southwestern regions experiencing the harshest impact. Dense fog has disrupted daily life, forcing vehicles to use headlights even in broad daylight, and low-income communities are particularly vulnerable to the plummeting temperatures.

Tragedy struck on the night of 26 December, when two passenger vessels collided on the Meghna River amid thick fog, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

Currently, a mild cold wave is sweeping across seven districts: Chuadanga, Jessore, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Nilphamari. On Friday, Chuadanga recorded the lowest temperature at 9.6°C, while on Saturday morning, Jessore registered 9.0°C, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

Meteorologists have warned that light to dense fog is likely to persist for at least five more days, potentially disrupting road, river, and air travel. The intensity of the cold is also expected to increase in early January.

A summary of recent temperatures across key districts is provided below:

The Meteorological Department’s bulletin indicates that between 26 and 30 December, moderate to dense fog could blanket the country during midnight and morning hours, with some areas experiencing lingering fog into the afternoon. The mild cold wave across the seven districts may continue intermittently.

Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallick explained that the persistent fog arises from a combination of radiation fog, moisture from rivers, wetlands, haors, and incoming air from north-western India. This dense fog, present from midnight to midday, obstructs sunlight and amplifies the perception of cold.

Since early Saturday, the capital and surrounding regions have been enveloped in a thick fog layer, slowing vehicular traffic. Ferries on key river routes such as Paturia-Doulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat have ceased operations by evening.

Northern districts are facing even harsher conditions. Over the past three days, the severe cold wave has wreaked havoc on daily life, particularly affecting the homeless, day labourers, infants, and the elderly. In Panchagarh, near the Himalayan foothills, residents are enduring piercingly cold winds, with little respite even during daylight hours.

Authorities have urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, ensure adequate winter clothing, and remain vigilant against the ongoing cold wave.