The northernmost district of the country, Panchagarh, has been hit by a moderate cold wave. A moderate cold wave swept through the district yesterday. This morning, a temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius was recorded, which is the lowest in the country this season. The previous day’s temperature was 9.5 degrees Celsius. Since the beginning of January, the minimum temperature in Panchagarh has been fluctuating between 7 and 14 degrees. Meanwhile, the bone-chilling cold has disrupted public life here. The hard-working people have been suffering immensely due to dense fog and icy winds.

It is known that a mild cold wave swept through this northern town for three consecutive days from last Friday to Sunday. Panchagarh was hit by a moderate cold wave yesterday. The minimum temperature for those three days fluctuated from 8.3 degrees to 9.7 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, cold-related diseases are increasing in tandem with the cold. People are being admitted to district and upazila hospitals suffering from cold, fever, pneumonia and diarrhoea. Children and the elderly are especially affected. Jitendranath Roy, officer-in-charge of Tentulia Meteorological Observatory, said that after a one-day break, a mild cold wave has been blowing in Panchagarh for the last two days. A moderate cold wave has been blowing in the district since yesterday. This is the first moderate cold wave of this season.

A Chuadanga representative said that a mild cold wave is blowing over Chuadanga for the third time in the season. The lowest temperature in the district was recorded yesterday at 8.5 degrees Celsius. The normal life of people is being disrupted due to the severe cold in the northern cold wind. Hard-working people are the most affected. Battery-pedal-powered vans and easy bike drivers are spending their idle time. Agricultural work is also being disrupted in the severe cold. Farmers busy in boro cultivation in the fields are also unable to do their agricultural work properly.

Chuadanga Meteorological Observatory Officer-in-Charge Jaminur Rahman said that the cold wave may continue until next Monday. After that, the temperature may increase. As the cold wave continues to blow, winter-related diseases are increasing. Mahbubur Rahman Milon, consultant at the pediatric department of Sadar Hospital, said that currently, more patients with rotavirus-related diarrhea, pneumonia and respiratory problems are coming for treatment.