A cold spell is sweeping the country bitterly affecting particularly the western districts and northern region. People of these areas are experiencing biting cold accompanied by persistent, deep and dense fog intensifying the feel of the cold. By the end of December this year, the severity of winter in Dhaka and other parts of the country has sharpened strikingly. Frosty fog, low temperatures have made the daily life challenging fro0m early morning. Countryside shrouded in early morning mist presents an adverse situation for those dependent on farming and daily wage labour. Dip in temperature can even disrupt livelihoods of day labourers. Winter affects the economic activities too as early morning fog perturb farming activities, delays transportation of goods and diminishes productivity. In riverine and low-lying areas dense fog from midnight to morning creates hazardous conditions for inland water transport, often leading to delays, accidents and economic losses
In winter road communications are frequently suffering during foggy morning, increasing the risk of road crashes. Air travels are also disrupted affecting business operations and travel plans.
Bangladesh has been witnessing increasing variability in winter patterns shorter winter, abrupt drop in temperatures and protracted fogs. These shifts indicate wider climate trends affecting our country where weather patterns are becoming less predictable. Winter is also attributed to the increase in health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illness. Low temperature combined with high humidity spike the risk of respiratory infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, and seasonal fever. Children with feeble immune system are especially vulnerable, while elderly people may suffer severe cold-related complications. Cold weather can trigger sudden increase in blood pressure and heart-related emergencies because blood vessels are constricted during winter. Warm apparels like sweaters, socks, gloves and head coverings are important for maintaining proper health. Foggy conditions also worsen respiratory trouble, especially in areas already affected by air pollution which is too severe in Dhaka and the residents should wear mask during travel in winter.
Winter becomes a silent humanitarian crisis for millions of poor and marginalized people. Homeless people sleeping on sidewalks, daily wage workers, street children, the elderly, and women face life-threatening conditions as temperature falls. Planned distribution of warm clothes, healthcare support, safe shelters must be ensured for them at least for the winter. To cope with the winter challenges, citizens should remain alert during dense fog, wear warm clothes and take special care of children and the elderly family members. Ensuring sufficient heating at home and workplaces, monitoring blood pressure regularly, taking prescribed medications regularly, and seeking medical treatment for winter-related ailments are indispensable. Support from local administration for farmers, workers, and vulnerable groups is necessary along with ensuring the safety of children. Winter deeply influences human life and livelihoods. With coordinated government action and responsible citizen participation winter can be faced with humanity. The current situation should serve as a reminder that seasonal weather challenges require long-term planning rather than short-term response. And we know, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?
