ছবি: Photo: Collected
Panchagarh, known for experiencing winter earlier than other regions in Bangladesh, is now embracing the season, albeit a little late this year. For the past few days, light morning fog has been common, but this Saturday brought an unexpected blanket of dense fog across the district, leaving residents in a state of awe.
The fog, described by locals as "drizzling mist," persisted until 9 AM, causing reduced visibility and fewer people venturing outdoors. Vehicles, including small ones like vans and auto-rickshaws, operated with headlights on, navigating the roads cautiously. Some drivers, however, sat idle due to a lack of passengers.
“I felt a biting chill today, and the fog made it impossible to see anything,” said Chaitu Mohammad, a 70-year-old van driver. “No passengers, no earnings—I’m just sitting idle.”
Pedestrian Saidur Rahman echoed the sentiment, stating, “The mist feels like light rain. My clothes are damp, and I can hardly see a hand’s distance ahead. Vehicles are all running with headlights on.”
Residents noted that the chill intensifies at night, requiring blankets to ward off the cold. Proximity to India often contributes to Panchagarh experiencing winter’s arrival earlier than most regions, with the cold spell typically lasting until February.
Environmental activist and Panchagarh district convener of Bangladesh Environment Movement, A.K.M. Khair, remarked, “The sudden dense fog has surprised us. While the chill feels mild, the fog’s intensity gives the impression of harsh winter.”
According to Md. Russell Shah, acting officer at the Tetulia Weather Observation Center, the temperature recorded in Tetulia on Saturday morning was 17 degrees Celsius, consistent with the 17-20 degrees Celsius range observed over the past few days. However, the daytime temperature rises as the sun breaks through. “The temperature will continue to drop gradually,” Shah added.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Panchagarh, including the Modern Sadar Hospital and health centers across five upazilas, are seeing a rise in cold-related illnesses. Cases of colds, coughs, diarrhea, pneumonia, and asthma are increasingly being reported, marking the onset of winter’s health challenges.
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