Woes of the poor know no bound as a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping the country, paralyzing the normal life both in urban and rural areas, especially the north and west regions.
The lowest temperature on Thursday was recorded 7.09 degree Celsius at Chuadanga. The cold wave may continue till tomorrow (Saturday).
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in its latest forecast said mild cold wave is sweeping over the regions of Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Jashore and Chuadanga and it may spread.
Moderate to thick fog may occur at places over the country during midnight till morning, the forecast added. Ridge of sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining western part of Bangladesh. A seasonal low lies over South Bay.
Night temperature may fall slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. As cold weather blankets the country with the onset of winter, people have started experiencing chilly moments.
As the-chilling cold gripped the country, especially the northern districts battering normal life, many children and the elderly people have been suffering badly from various cold-related diseases and crowding hospitals and clinics.
Besides, one or two mild-to-medium cold waves may sweep over the country in late December.
The north, northeast, northwest, central and river basin areas may expect heavy fog, while other areas may experience light to medium fog from late night during this period.
On the other hand, the poor, particularly the day labourers and rickshaw-pullers, have been suffering badly due to the shivering cold.
Those living in slums and chars have also become the worst suffers for lack of adequate warm clothes.
Vendors and grocery shop owners are reportedly counting losses daily as people in rural areas are hardly coming out of their homes in defiance of the bone-chilling temperatures.
On the other hand, the blanket of heavy fog is also affecting transport movement on roads and highways due to poor visibility.
Dense fog was reported from different parts of the country and motorists were urged to drive cautiously to ensure their safety. Due to the dense fog,, a number of accidents were reported on major routes in the country.
