United News of Bangladesh

Life across all five upazilas of northern Lalmonirhat has slowed to a shiver as the biting cold of Poush tightens its grip.  With an unrelenting cold wave sweeping the region, quilts and mattresses have become the primary shield against the freezing nights, leaving local quilt makers with barely a moment to breathe. Read more: Cold wave disrupts life, livelihoods across northern Bangladesh At haat-bazars and roadside shops across Lalmonirhat Sadar and surrounding areas, business is booming.  From dawn to deep night, the courtyards of quilt makers echo with the rhythmic khat-khat of sewing machines, as artisans wash cotton, stuff layers and stitch tirelessly to keep up with soaring demand. Over the past few days of continuous cold, demand for quilts and mattresses in rural areas has multiplied several times.  Artisans say that while much of the year passes in relative idleness, these three winter months are their main earning season.  The workload has now become so intense that many shops are struggling to find time even for meals.  Alongside new quilts, there is a rush of customers bringing old ones for repairs or refilling with fresh cotton. A visit to Tushbhandar Bazaar in Kaliganj upazila reveals clear class-based preferences. Low-income buyers are opting for cheaper quilts made from recycled cotton, while middle-income families prefer kapash or shimul cotton.  However, rising prices of cotton and fabric have made quilts more expensive across the board. Customer Malek Mia said, “Compared to last year, it now costs Tk 300 to Tk 500 more to make a quilt. With prices rising everywhere, surviving has become increasingly difficult for ordinary people like us.” Veteran artisan Solaiman Ali of Kaliganj said each craftsman is producing three to four quilts a day, yet meeting delivery deadlines has become a struggle.  Quilt makers in Lalmonirhat swamped with orders as winter sets in “As the cold intensifies, the pile of orders keeps growing,” he said. Trader Samad Mia noted that depending on quality, the cost of making a quilt now ranges between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,000. Due to the higher price of shimul cotton, many customers are choosing kapash cotton as an alternative. Meanwhile, members of the local civil society have called for stronger winter relief efforts for the poor and destitute.  The Lalmonirhat district administration has already begun distributing blankets, offering some relief amid one of the harshest winter spells of the season.    

A mild to moderate cold wave sweeping across large parts of Bangladesh has begun to affect daily life, agriculture and health, particularly in the northern districts, as temperatures dip and dense fog blankets vast areas of the country. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), a cold wave is currently prevailing over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions, as well as the districts of Gopalgonj, Moulvibazar, Cumilla, Feni, Khulna, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia. The situation is likely to persist in the coming days. In its latest bulletin issued on Thursday morning, the Met office said moderate to thick fog may occur over river basins, while light to moderate fog is expected elsewhere during the late night to morning hours. Ongoing cold wave likely to continue till Jan 11 Despite the cold conditions, the weather is forecast to remain dry, with a temporarily partly cloudy sky across the country. Night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged, while day temperatures may rise slightly. The country’s lowest temperature on Thursday was recorded at Srimangal in Sylhet at 7.0 degrees Celsius. Dhaka registered a comparatively milder 12.5 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, meteorologists are also monitoring a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The system, which intensified from a depression at 6 am on Thursday, is moving west-northwestwards and is likely to cross the Sri Lanka coast. Its associated trough extends up to the North Bay, while a ridge of the sub-continental high pressure system stretches across West Bengal and the adjoining western parts of Bangladesh. Severe Cold in Lalmonirhat From Lalmonirhat, UNB’s correspondent reports that a severe cold wave has gripped the district, accompanied by dense fog and chilling winds, significantly disrupting normal life. The Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory recorded the district’s lowest temperature at 10.3 degrees Celsius at 9 am on Thursday. Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer of the Kurigram Rajarhat Meteorological Office, warned that temperatures may fall further in the coming days. Severe cold wave paralyses Chuadanga Heavy fog covering roads and open fields during the early morning hours has slowed traffic, particularly on highways and regional roads. The impact has been especially harsh on daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers and agricultural labourers, many of whom are unable to work, pushing already vulnerable families into financial hardship. Children and elderly people remain the most at risk as cold-related illnesses rise. Local health facilities, including Upazila Health Complexes, have reported an increased number of patients seeking treatment for cold-induced ailments. The cold spell has also posed challenges for farmers. To protect Boro paddy nurseries and winter vegetable fields, cultivators are taking additional precautions. However, the prolonged lack of sunlight caused by dense fog has raised concerns over the potential spread of crop diseases. Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season Residents have urged the authorities to ensure adequate distribution of winter clothing among the poor and vulnerable, warning that the suffering of low-income families could intensify if the cold wave continues.

The sudden surge of intense cold in the southwestern border district of Chuadanga has disrupted normal life, with heavy fog and freezing temperatures emptying streets early in the morning. People are avoiding outdoor activities unless necessary, leaving daily wage earners and marginalised communities most affected. At 9 a.m. Wednesday, Chuadanga Meteorological Observatory recorded a season-low temperature of 6.9°C, with humidity around 95 percent. The Meteorological Department said a moderate cold wave is currently sweeping the district. Since early morning, the city’s streets, bus stops, and sidewalks have been crowded with workers seeking warmth, often by lighting small fires with straw or wood. Labourers report extreme difficulty performing routine work, and many return home frustrated or fall ill due to prolonged exposure. Farmers and day laborers said working in the early hours is exhausting, and health risks rise in the cold. Hospitals in Chuadanga, including the district hospital, are seeing higher patient numbers, with children and the elderly most affected by pneumonia, respiratory issues, colds, and diarrhea. Biting cold wave freezes Naogaon as mercury plunges to season’s lowest Students commuting for private lessons face difficulties as fog and icy winds make travel risky, impacting their studies. The cold has also reduced school attendance and caused stagnation in markets, shops, banks, and financial institutions, with fewer customers and lower activity compared to normal days. Jaminur Rahman, in charge of Chuadanga First-Class Meteorological Observatory, said the moderate cold wave is expected to continue until January 11–12, with potential for further temperature drops.

A biting cold wave swept across large parts of Bangladesh on Tuesday, pushing temperatures down to the season’s lowest and disrupting daily life in at least 10 districts. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the country’s lowest temperature was recorded at 7.0°C in Rajshahi, as a mild to moderate cold wave continued to affect the region. “The current situation will prevail across the country till January 11 and from January 12 the temperature may rise,” said Omar Faruk, a meteorologist at BMD. In its regular bulletin, BMD said a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangamati, Jashore, Chuadanga and Kushtia, and it may continue. The weather office also warned of moderate to thick fog over the country from midnight to morning, which may linger until noon in some areas. Such conditions could temporarily disrupt air navigation, inland river transport and road communication, it said. While both night and day temperatures may rise slightly, BMD noted that cold feelings are likely to persist due to foggy conditions. Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean remains over the same area, with its associated trough extending up to the North Bay. At the same time, the ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and the adjoining western parts of Bangladesh. Life slowed in Chuadanga In Chuadanga, the cold wave has taken a heavy toll on daily life. Correspondents report that normal activities in the southwestern border district have been thrown out of gear as dense fog and piercing cold continue to grip the area. The season’s lowest temperature of 7.5°C was recorded at 9 am on Tuesday, according to the district’s first-class meteorological observatory. This is the lowest temperature recorded in Chuadanga during the current winter season. Meteorological officials said a mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over the district and may persist until January 11 or 12. “Cold conditions are likely to continue for a few more days,” said Md Jaminur Rahman, acting officer-in-charge of the Chuadanga first-class meteorological observatory. Despite the freezing weather, low-income people were seen lighting fires early in the morning at street corners, bus terminals and tea stalls to keep themselves warm. Most residents preferred to stay indoors, venturing out only when necessary. 103 people die of cold-related illnesses in Rangpur in 3 days

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast that at least 10 cold waves including three sever may sweep different regions of the country between November and January. In its long-range weather forecast released on Sunday (2nd November 2025) night, BMD said this winter is likely to be slightly colder than usual. The BMD said that along with cold waves, fog, rainfall, and fluctuating temperatures may disrupt daily life, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. Mild cold wave sweeping over parts of country: BMD The forecast also indicated that the country may experience slightly higher than normal rainfall during the November–January period. Besides, two and four low-pressure areas are likely to form over the Bay of Bengal and two of which could intensify into depression or cyclones. Two to three severe cold waves are likely to hit the northwestern, northeastern, and central regions, it said. During the period both daytime and nighttime temperatures will gradually decrease. Room Heaters Buyer Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh

Severe cold coupled with dense fog has disrupted daily life in Lalmonirhat district for the past several days as temperatures continue to fall. A thick blanket of fog has engulfed the northern district, reducing visibility and hampering traffic movement. The mist, which resembles drizzle, combined with icy winds, has worsened the situation. Mustafizur Rahman, in-charge at the Rangpur Weather Office, said the temperature in the district was recorded at 11.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning. Mild cold wave sweeping over parts of country: BMD He warned of a further drop in temperatures in the coming days. Low-income people are lighting fires with straw and twigs to combat the chill while vehicles are moving cautiously on roads and highways with headlights on throughout the day. Hospitals are witnessing a rise in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses particularly children and the elderly. Daily-wage earners, especially those living near the Teesta River, are the worst sufferers. “The cold feels more intense due to the fog. Although daytime temperatures rise slightly, it becomes severe cold after sunset,” said Anwar Hossain, a teacher of Duhuli School in Kaliganj Upazila. Severe cold grips Kurigram; low-income people hit hard Farmers are also struggling as the severe cold hampers their work. “For days, the cold has been more severe after sunset. Fog covers the area from night till dawn, and we haven’t seen the sun in days. This weather is seriously affecting our farming activities,” said Shakil Mia, a farmer of Kakina area. Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sifat Anwar Tumfa said authorities are distributing blankets and warm clothing among the affected population focusing on the most vulnerable communities. “We are prioritising the distribution of warm clothing in the Teesta River basin to mitigate the impact of the cold,” he said.

Sever cold disrupted daily life in Kurigram in the 2nd week of Bangla month ‘Magh’.   Subal Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge of Kurigram Agriculture Weather Observatory, said they recorded temperature at 12.6 degree Celsius at 9am on Thursday. He also said the temperature may drop further in the next two to three days. Dry weather with partly cloudy skies across Bangladesh: BMD The low-income people, especially those living at chars on the banks of rivers, children and senior citizens are the worst sufferers of the cold. People were seen to keep them warm by igniting straws. The sunlight wasn’t seen till 10am in the district while vehicles were operating with headlights on to ward off any unwanted incident.     Moreover, the fog has been spawning drizzle since early morning. Dhaka's air ‘very unhealthy’ on Monday morning Mukul Mia, a three-wheeler van driver in Dhara area of Kurigram Sadar, said the sun didn’t rise even after 1pm and movement of people was very thin. Locals alleged that they weren’t getting sufficient warm clothes from the government to keep them protected from the cold. District’s Relief and Rehabilitation Official Md Abdul Matin said they have so far distributed 34, 722 pieces of blankets in nine upazilas of the district. The distribution was underway considering the demand, he said.

A mild cold wave is sweeping over the five districts and it may abate, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). According to the regular bulletin of the Met office, “A mild cold wave is sweeping over the districts of Panchagarh, Kurigram, Jashore, Moulvibazar and Gopalganj districts and it may abate.” Weather may remain dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Light to moderate fog may occur at places over the country during late night to morning. Temperature drops sharply as cold wave grips Chuadanga Country's lowest temperature was recorded in Tetulia at 08.2 degree Celsius on Saturday. Night and day temperatures may rise slightly over the country. Besides, a ridge of sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay, extending its trough to North Bay.    

The mercury plunged by five degrees Celsius within a day in Chuadanga, ushering in the second cold wave of 2025. On Thursday morning, the district recorded the season's lowest temperature at 9.4 degrees Celsius, accompanied by 95 percent humidity, according to the Chuadanga Meteorological office. The severe cold and biting winds from the north have disrupted normal life, hitting the vulnerable hardest. Jaminur Rahman, in charge of the local observatory, said that the temperature recorded on Wednesday was 14.4 degrees Celsius, marking a significant drop in just 24 hours. The chilling weather has made life particularly difficult for laborers and low-income families. Ashraful Islam, a tea shop owner in Chuadanga town, shared his struggles. "It's extremely cold and sales have plummeted as people avoid venturing out," he said. Cold waves loom as dense fog grips Bangladesh Similarly, Habu Mia, a second-hand clothing vendor, noted a shift in demand. "Sales were slow at the start of winter, but they have picked up as the cold intensified," he mentioned. The Chuadanga district administration is distributing warm clothing, including blankets, to support those in need. Deputy Commissioner Zahirul Islam assured that efforts are underway to reach cold-stricken individuals. The lowest temperature recorded in Chuadanga this season was 8.7 degrees Celsius. The district experienced its all-time lowest temperature of 3.9 degrees Celsius on January 9, 2013.

Parts of the country have been grappling with a mild cold wave coupled with winds, causing public sufferings.   The low-income people, children, senior citizens are the worst sufferers of the severe cold that threw daily life out of gear. People affected by cold-related diseases are rushing to hospitals while the healthcare providers are struggling to cope with the patients’ pressure. Moreover, local agricultural departments issued cautionary messages for cultivated potatoes and seedbeds of Boro paddy. The country’s northwestern district Panchagarh recorded the lowest temperature at 8.3 degrees Celsius on Friday morning. Earthquake jolts Sylhet, no damages, casualties reported Md Rokanuzzaman, an observer at Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre in Panchagarh, said they recorded the season’s lowest temperature at 8:3 degree Celsius at 9am. The humidity was 100 percent and the speed of winds remained 12 to 13 kilometres  per hour, he said.  The observer said they recorded 20.4 degree Celsius on Thursday, a hike by 12.1 degree Celsius than that of Friday. On the other hand, Chuadanga recorded temperature at 10.8 degree Celsius, an increase by 1 degree Celsius compared to the previous day. According to the weather office, the district recorded the lowest temperature at least four times this season. Rakibul Hasan, senior observer at Chuadanga Weather Observatory, said a mild cold wave was sweeping across the district and it might continue for the next few days. Fisherman Ashik Sardar said they couldn’t go for fishing due to the severity of the cold. Dhaka enveloped in dense fog as winter deepens across Bangladesh Three-wheeler van driver Token Ali said, “I don't want to go out of the house in the winter. But if you sit at home, we will go hungry. So I have to go out. But there are no people on the streets. I can't find passengers.” Meanwhile, due to the cold, the crowd of people suffering from cold-related diseases has increased in the district hospitals, upazila health complexes, private hospitals and private chambers of doctors. Doctors and nurses are struggling due to the overcrowding of patients, especially in the pediatrics, diarrhea and medicine departments. Mahbubur Rahman, consultant of the pediatric department of Sadar Hospital, said the number of two types of child patients has increased due to winter--cold-related diseases and rotavirus diarrhea. The pressure of pediatric patients is increasing per day and on an average 60 patients are receiving treatment in the inter-department pediatric ward. Besides, 50 to 60 patients are being treated in the diarrhea ward. On the other hand, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has issued a special alert to protect potato fields and Boro paddy seedbeds. Masudur Rahman Sarkar, deputy director of the district’s DAE, said the paddy seedbed should be irrigated in the afternoon and drained out the next morning. Moreover, remove the dew from the seedlings in the morning, if possible, cover it at night, he said. Farmers have been advised to spray fungicides in potato fields so that they do not get fungus in advance. Officials of the Agriculture Department are performing their duties carefully at the field level to oversee the overall affairs, he added.