Cold wave disrupts life in northern region

A biting cold wave has tightened its grip almost all over the country. However, the ongoing spell coupled with blowing cooler winds and dense fog deteriorated the weather condition disrupting public life, particularly in the northern region. As the mercury dropped over the last few days, not just those living in the countryside, city dwellers are also struggling to adjust to chills and shivers.
We have also come across reports of many winter-related things, including shrinking income opportunities for those in the informal economy, lack of food and lack of protection against the winter-related diseases. Though the duration of winter season is relatively short here (from December to January), every year the spell inflicts immense sufferings to people especially children, elderly and the poor.
According to media reports, the number of patients, especially children and elderly people, is increasing in hospitals. Both of these groups of people are suffering from respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and some other cold-related ailments. But the rising number of patients has overwhelmed many hospitals, with the bed crisis emerging as a big problem. There are too few beds for too many patients. Unfortunately, we could not increase the capacity of hospitals to deal with the extra load.
As per a recent study report, covering the period from 2009 to 2021, an average 104 people die annually in Bangladesh due to cold-related diseases, with the mortality rates higher in divisions with cold winters and higher poverty. Mortality rate remains high during December and January period. According to the study, the mortality rate is the highest in Rangpur and Barishal division. However, the rate is the lowest in Dhaka. Notably, the poverty rate is high in the Rangpur and Barishal divisions whereas it is the lowest in Dhaka division.
It is to be noted that such heavy fog has disrupted flight operations at the Dhaka airport over the past several days, communications in road, rail and waterways have also been reported to have come to halt only to cause public sufferings.
We, therefore, ask the authorities, including district administrations and non-government organisations to come forward to distribute warm clothes and medicines to protect the poor people from the biting cold.