Dense Fog and Icy Winds Grip Bangladesh
Cold winds combined with thick fog have enveloped much of Bangladesh, leaving many areas without sunlight for days. From the capital to the northern districts, an intense winter chill has settled in, and similar conditions may continue for another three to four days.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, moderate to heavy fog may form in parts of the country on Monday morning and could persist until noon in some areas. The reduced visibility may temporarily disrupt air travel, inland waterways, and road transportation.
Earlier, on December 25, the Ministry of Shipping issued an emergency notice instructing that all types of vessels remain off rivers and waterways during periods of dense fog to avoid accidents.
Cold Bites Hardest for Daily Wage Earners
“I’m exhausted from the cold, but hunger forces me onto the streets,” said Hasan Ali, a rickshaw puller in Rangpur. “The roads are empty. A city that’s usually crowded now feels deserted.”
The weather office said both daytime and nighttime temperatures are likely to remain almost unchanged across the country. Due to persistent fog, the feeling of cold may linger in many regions even without an official cold wave.
Meteorologist Shahanaz Sultana explained that temperatures have dropped noticeably in recent days, and the gap between daytime highs and nighttime lows has narrowed. “When this difference becomes smaller, the cold feels more intense,” she said. “In many places, the absence of sunlight has prevented the ground from warming, which increases the chill.”
Temperature Overview
On Sunday, the lowest temperature in the country was recorded in Nikli, Kishoreganj, at 9.8°C. Sirajganj’s Tarash followed with 11°C. Most regions saw minimum temperatures between 11°C and 14°C, while Dhaka recorded 14.3°C.
Although no formal cold wave is currently active, Shahanaz Sultana noted that weather conditions feel similar to one. She added that the current pattern may last another three to four days, with a slight rise in temperature expected on January 1 and 2, followed by another drop around January 6 or 7.
The highest temperature on Sunday was recorded in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, at 28.6°C. Across most parts of the country, daytime highs ranged between 17°C and 24°C, while Dhaka reached 23°C.
Life Disrupted Across Regions
In Nikli, farmers say the severe cold has made daily life extremely difficult. In Rajshahi, the sun failed to appear throughout the day as icy winds swept through the city. Many people were seen warming themselves by roadside fires. Laborers reported reduced work opportunities and sleepless nights due to the cold.
Northern districts like Rangpur have seen daily life nearly come to a standstill. Streets are unusually quiet, and working-class people are struggling the most. Hospitals are also seeing a rise in cold-related illnesses such as fever, cough, pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and diarrhea—particularly among children. Pediatric wards in Rangpur Medical College Hospital are overcrowded, with multiple children sharing a single bed.
Naogaon also remained under heavy fog throughout the day. Dew fell like light rain, and vehicles were forced to keep headlights on for most of the daytime due to extremely low visibility.