A severe cold wave sweeping across northern and coastal Bangladesh has caused temperatures to drop sharply, increasing hardship for low-income communities, particularly day labourers, farmers, fishermen, and residents of riverine char areas.

Panchagarh, the country’s northernmost district, recorded the lowest temperature at 7.5°C in the 24 hours ending at 9:00 AM today, according to the Tetulia Weather Observatory. This marked a drop from 8.6°C the previous day, with wind speeds of 6–8 km/h and humidity reaching 100 percent. Dense fog in parts of Panchagarh town reduced visibility to 10–15 feet, forcing residents to stay indoors earlier than usual.

“Bone-chilling winds have made it difficult to continue working,” said Moyesuddin, a scrap shop worker in Panchagarh Sadar. Others involved in agriculture and manual labour reported similar difficulties.

Elsewhere in the northern region, temperatures also fell sharply. Badalgachi in Naogaon recorded 6.7°C, the lowest in the country this winter. Other readings included Thakurgaon 7.5°C, Rajshahi 7.6°C, Dimla (Nilphamari) 8°C, Rajarhat (Kurigram) 8.5°C, and Dinajpur 8.7°C.

The Rangpur Meteorological Office reported that temperatures in Rangpur fell by 3.2°C within a day, dropping from 11.8°C yesterday to 8.6°C today. In-charge meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman said the cold spell is expected to continue for another two to three days, with temperatures possibly falling further.

The cold wave has particularly affected char areas along major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Teesta, and Dharla. Over 10 lakh people live in more than 500 chars across the Rangpur region, where weak infrastructure and dependence on daily labour have increased vulnerability.

“There is no special provision for char areas, and many residents cannot afford warm clothing,” said Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu, convener of the Kurigram District Char Development Committee, urging immediate winter assistance. Abdul Matin, Kurigram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, said 25,000 blankets have been allocated so far against an estimated demand of 150,000. “Char areas are being prioritised, and additional supplies have been requested from the ministry,” he added.

The cold wave has also disrupted life in coastal Patuakhali. Kalapara recorded 8.4°C, the lowest in two years, with visibility dropping below 50 metres in several areas, affecting road and waterway transport, according to the Khepupara Meteorological Office. Fishermen have postponed deep-sea trips due to extreme cold, while many low-income residents have resorted to burning straw and dry leaves to stay warm.

Officials said the mild cold wave in Patuakhali is expected to persist for another two to three days.