Despite a slight rise in temperature, severe cold conditions continue to grip Panchagarh, widely known as the Himalayan foothill district, as dense fog and icy winds intensify winter hardship across the region.
On Tuesday (23 December), the district recorded a minimum temperature of 12.5 degrees Celsius. Although the numerical temperature appears higher, residents report that the cold feels far more severe in reality. Locals noted that during the past week, when temperatures ranged between 9 and 10 degrees Celsius, the cold was not felt as intensely as it is now.
From early morning until late morning, dense fog blankets the surroundings, significantly reducing visibility. Although the sun appears later in the day, it fails to provide sufficient warmth. Cold northern winds continue to exacerbate the chill, while temperatures begin to drop again as afternoon turns into evening.
As winter conditions worsen, suffering has increased among the poor and vulnerable. Many are spending nights in extreme discomfort due to a shortage of adequate winter clothing. River sand and stone workers, along with day laborers, agricultural workers, van pullers, and other low-income earners who leave home early in the morning, are forced to brave the biting cold in search of livelihood.
To cope with the cold, some people are lighting fires using straw, wood, or discarded materials along roadsides and in market areas.
According to district administration sources, approximately 16,000 blankets have so far been distributed among cold-stricken poor residents across the district’s five upazilas this winter season.
Marjina Begum, who leaves home early for work, said that for the past two days there has been no warmth from the sun during the daytime. Dense fog persists until around 10 or 11 in the morning, making the cold unbearable. She added that when she goes out to work in the morning, her hands and feet become numb due to the cold.
Nagen Chandra Roy of Dhanipara area said that even after wearing thick layers of clothing, the cold does not subside. He said he has been warming himself by lighting fires along with his children and grandchildren.
Truck driver Mojibur Rahman said that dense fog in the morning makes it difficult to drive even with headlights on. He added that vehicles are forced to move at reduced speed, and accidents are occurring frequently due to poor visibility.
Jitendranath Roy, Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, said that temperatures may drop further over the next few days. He also warned that moderate to dense fog is likely to persist during this period.
