Although January is the coldest month of Bangladesh historically, the country is now experiencing a summer like weather.
Dhaka and most other parts of the country have been experiencing warmer weather for over a week. But people of some northern district, particularly Thakurgaon, are experiencing cold wave currently in the coldest month.
The people of Thakurgaon have become exhausted due to thick fog and extreme cold. Outbreaks of cold-related diseases have occurred among children and the elderly due to the cold. A risk of damage to various crops including the seedbed of Boro has also arisen.
Thakurgaon district is once again in the grip of a mild cold wave in third phase. Mist is falling every evening like rain that is continuing until noon the next day. Vehicles are moving with headlights on, as there is thick fog all around. Poor rootless people have fallen into extreme difficulties. They are starving for half a day, as they are not able to go to work. Day laborers, rickshaw pullers and auto rickshaw drivers have also lost works.
Women are in trouble with their small children amid this severe cold wave. The number of children and elderly patients suffering from various cold related diseases including
cough, diarrhea and pneumonia has increased in Thakurgaon Modern Sadar Hospital.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Thakurgaon Dr. KM Kamruzzaman Selim said 26,000 blankets and Tk 3 million in cash were received from the PM's office as assistance for helpless cold-hit people. These have been distributed equally among people suffering from the extreme cold in 5 upazilas of the district already.
The DC called upon the wealthy and influential people of the district to come forward with to help the cold-stricken poor people of Thakurgaon.
