The northern border district of Lalmonirhat is experiencing an intense cold spell as dense fog blankets the region, throwing daily life out of gear.
Vehicles were seen moving with headlights on to avoid any accident, said transport workers.
Until 8am today (6 December), the entire district was shrouded in thick fog and such condition has been seen for the past couple of days.
Nirmal Chandra, a rickshaw puller from Dulhali area of Kaliganj, said the past two days had seen heavy fog and amid chilly weather. His income has fallen as many are not venturing out into fog.
Jewel Mia, a resident of Kakina under Kaliganj upazila, informed that the bone-biting cold is badly affecting people in char areas (river islands) while many were keeping warm by lighting fires with straw and dried leaves.
Local met office predicts that the temperature may drop further as the district is experiencing light rainfall accompanying the fog during the early hours.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer at Rajarhat Weather Office, said the minimum temperature in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram was recorded at 14.5°C around 7am on Friday.
Sources at the district’s five upazila health complexes said they have been facing an increased number of cold-related patients.
Dr Ali Rajib Mohammad Naser, a physician at Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex, said the number of patients suffering from cold-related ailments has been increasing over the past few days. “We are doing our best to provide necessary treatment.”
Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sifat Anowara Tumpa said every year these areas witness an increase in cold intensity.
The upazila administration will distribute winter clothes among the underprivileged to help them combat the cold, she informed.
