Prof Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder :
Among the various seasons in Bangladesh, winter is a critical period. It is a season of comfort and a time filled with challenges and issues. The winter season in Bangladesh typically lasts from late November to mid-February. The country’s weather, environment, public life, health, and agriculture undergo significant changes during this time. Winter in Bangladesh is a dry season. The temperature usually ranges between 10°C and 20°C, but in the northern and hilly regions, it can sometimes drop to 6°C-8°C. The temperature can fall further at night and early morning, creating a sharp chill. The skies are clear, and rainfall is almost absent during winter. In the early morning, mist and dew cover the grass, plants, and crops. The cold wind from the south creates a dry atmosphere. During the day, the mild warmth of the sun makes the weather feel comfortable. However, the intense cold at night brings discomfort to the poor population.
In the early morning, the surrounding areas are enveloped in thick fog, and the dew on the leaves of trees creates a unique scene. The mist-covered rural farmlands and the lush nature give a hint of a heavenly environment. The dewdrops sparkle in the first rays of the sun, which is a well-known and captivating sight of winter. One of the key attractions of winter in Bangladesh is the mustard field. The vast fields of yellow mustard flowers create a mesmerizing landscape. This is a visual delight and an essential part of agriculture. The hum of bees around the mustard flowers creates a unique atmosphere in the winter mornings. The hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts look more beautiful during winter. The mist-covered mountains and the smoky weather over the rivers add to the charm. The tea gardens in Sylhet also become a major tourist attraction in winter.
Winter is a time of severe air quality issues for urban areas in Bangladesh. During this season, the concentration of dust particles and harmful gases in the atmosphere increases. The dry weather and low temperatures during winter cause pollutants to remain suspended in the air for extended periods. Brick kilns operate intensively during winter. The low-quality fuels (coal, wood) used in these kilns, along with the heat production process, release carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and dust particles into the air. In large cities like Dhaka, the excessive number of vehicles contributes to air pollution, as the black smoke emitted from vehicles rapidly degrades air quality. Due to the mist and cold, the wind speed decreases, causing the pollutants to linger in the atmosphere.
Air pollution during winter has severe impacts on health and the environment. Particularly in urban areas, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 rise to alarming levels. According to the World Health Organization, winter is when the air quality in Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh is among the worst in the world. Air pollution directly affects respiratory diseases, lung cancer, heart diseases, and children’s physical growth. It also hampers the growth of plants in rural areas.
Various physical problems also emerge during winter. The dry weather, cold temperatures, and air pollution seriously impact human health. During winter, the incidence of viral infections increases. Common illnesses such as colds, coughs, fever, and influenza are prevalent. These diseases are more common among the elderly and children. Respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis become more frequent due to the cold. The elderly and children are particularly at risk. Air pollution during winter exacerbates asthma and other respiratory problems-the lower humidity during winter causes dry skin and cracks. Problems like chapped lips and eczema are common. Research shows that low temperatures and air pollution during winter increase the risk of heart disease. Blood circulation problems and high blood pressure are more common during this time. To reduce the impact of winter, individuals can take measures such as wearing appropriate clothing, consuming nutritious food, maintaining a comfortable room temperature, and using masks to avoid dust particles.
The winter temperatures and fog create several problems for the poor and middle-class populations. The poor, especially those in the northern and haor regions, suffer immensely due to the lack of warm clothing. The cold at night causes many children and elderly individuals to fall ill. The fog reduces visibility, slows traffic, and leads to road accidents and traffic jams. Schedules for trains and flights can also be disrupted. Daily wage workers face immense difficulty during winter. They find it hard to work due to the cold but are forced to work outdoors to earn a living.
Winter is crucial for agriculture in Bangladesh. During this time, Rabi crops and various vegetables are produced. The cultivation of Boro rice begins in winter, which is considered the country’s primary food crop. The yellow mustard flowers enhance the beauty of winter. Mustard oil production is vital during this season. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, beans, eggplants, and gourds are widely produced during winter. These vegetables meet domestic demand and are crucial for export-the production of potatoes peaks during winter. Potatoes are one of the country’s key economic crops. However, the winter fog can hinder crop growth. Extremely low temperatures can damage the yield of crops.
With proper planning and environmentally friendly practices, winter can be transformed into a healthier and more comfortable season. Winter is a wonderful gift from nature. It symbolizes a close bond between nature and humans. It can be made more enjoyable through proper management by considering its effects and the challenges it presents.
(The writer is Dean, Faculty of Science; Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh).
