Kurigram, a northern border district of Bangladesh, is grappling with an intensifying winter chill as dense fog and icy winds disrupt daily life. Early mornings have become particularly challenging for residents, with temperatures dropping to 12.4°C, making travel and work increasingly difficult for the local population.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory, confirmed that the district recorded a minimum temperature of 12.4°C at 6 am on Thursday, 4 December. He cautioned that the cold wave may strengthen in the coming days, potentially impacting routine activities and transportation.
The combination of dense fog and low temperatures has made visibility on roads extremely poor, compelling motorists to drive with headlights on throughout the morning. Residents have reported near-impossible conditions for commuting, with roads sometimes almost invisible.
Local inhabitants, particularly daily wage earners and low-income workers, are facing severe challenges. Many are forced to brave the cold to maintain their livelihoods, as economic necessity leaves them with little choice. Residents of Jatrapur Union described leaving their homes in the thick fog and biting cold as a daunting task, yet unavoidable to continue working. Meanwhile, townspeople in Kurigram’s municipal area noted that daily errands, including paying rent and purchasing essentials, require them to venture out despite the severe weather.
Currently, there have been no special precautionary measures or relief initiatives from local authorities, leaving ordinary citizens to cope on their own. The lack of administrative support exacerbates the hardships caused by the harsh combination of fog and cold.
The following table summarises the recent weather conditions in Kurigram:
| Parameter | Recorded Value | Observation Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Temperature | 12.4°C | 6 am, 4 December | Coldest part of the day |
| Wind Condition | Icy winds | Morning hours | Intensifying winter chill |
| Visibility | Very low due to dense fog | Early morning | Roads nearly invisible |
| Impacted Groups | Daily wage earners, labourers, low-income workers | Morning & daytime | Hardships in commuting and livelihoods |
The intensifying cold wave highlights the vulnerability of Kurigram’s residents, particularly those with limited resources, to extreme winter conditions. Experts urge residents to take precautions where possible and call on local authorities to provide targeted assistance to minimise hardship during this severe weather period.