Online Desk  :  A cold wave has gripped Chuadanga, the southwestern district experiencing bone-chilling weather as temperatures continue to fall. The district recorded the nation’s lowest temperature today (December 14) at 8.7 degrees Celsius. According to the Chuadanga Meteorological Office, the district has been experiencing dense fog and steadily falling temperatures over the past week.

On December 10, the district recorded a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, which dropped to 14 degrees the following day. By December 12, it fell sharply to 10.2 degrees Celsius, further dropping to 9.8 degrees on December 13, and finally reaching 8.7 degrees on Saturday. Despite the biting cold, daily wage laborers and workers were seen braving the chilly mornings in search of work, though opportunities have been scarce, Banglanews correspondent reports.

Many residents were trying to stay warm by burning straw, while streets and public transport saw fewer passengers. However, some relief came as the morning sun broke through the thick nighttime fog. The cold wave has significantly affected daily life in the region, with people staying indoors unless necessary. Those venturing out early, particularly for work, faced harsh conditions.  Monowar Hossain, a tea shop owner in Chuadanga town, said, “We have to open our shops early in the morning, but it feels coldest at that time. Even with the sunrise, the cold wind makes it unbearable.”

Van driver Mofizur Rahman said, “It feels like the cold is worse this year. We’re forced to go out because we need to earn, but there are barely any passengers on the roads, especially in the morning.” Chuadanga Weather Observatory in-charge Jaminur Rahman said that this is the first mild cold wave of the season. He predicted that temperatures may continue to drop until December 15, after which a slight rise is expected, though dense fog is likely to persist.

In response to the cold, Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahirul Islam said distribution of 10,000 blankets allocated from the government’s relief stock, began on Friday (December 13) to assist those most affected by the harsh weather.