The country is shivering under the winter chill, with a severe cold wave warning issued.

As the month of Poush begins, the entire country is shivering under unseasonably cold conditions. The south-western regions have been particularly hard hit, with daily life significantly disrupted. Dense fog has reduced visibility to the extent that vehicles must use headlights even during the daytime. The falling temperatures are causing severe hardship, especially for low-income communities.

Tragically, the hazardous conditions have already claimed lives. On the night of Thursday, 26 December, two passenger ferries collided on the Meghna River due to heavy fog, resulting in four fatalities.

Currently, a mild cold wave is sweeping across seven districts: Chuadanga, Jessore, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Nilphamari. On Friday, Chuadanga recorded the lowest temperature at 9.6°C, while the Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported a minimum of 9.0°C in Jessore on Saturday morning.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that light to dense fog will persist for at least the next five days, potentially disrupting river, road, and air transport. There is also a possibility that cold intensity will increase further at the beginning of January.

A bulletin issued by the department states that from 26 to 30 December, moderate to dense fog is expected across the country during late night to morning hours, with some areas experiencing fog lasting until noon. The mild cold wave over the seven districts may continue in some regions.

Temperature Snapshot (26 December):

Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallick told the media that the current fog pattern may persist for several days, and temperatures are expected to drop further in early January. He explained that fog is being generated from inland reservoirs, wetlands, haors, and hilly areas, while cold winds from north-western India are intensifying the chill. The persistent fog from midnight to noon blocks sunlight, making the cold feel even harsher.

Since early Saturday morning, fog has blanketed roads, highways, and crop fields across the country, slowing vehicular movement and causing ferry services at Paturia-Daulatdia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes to halt after dusk. All eight divisions of the country are experiencing a mild cold wave.

Northern districts are facing even harsher conditions. Over the past three days, the intensifying cold has left daily life in disarray. Vulnerable groups, including small children, the elderly, and low-income families, are struggling, with many unable to venture outdoors due to a lack of warm clothing. In Panchagarh, residents are shivering in piercing winds blowing from the Himalayas, compounded by dense fog and bone-chilling cold. Daytime offers little relief, and nights are increasingly severe.