103 PEOPLE DIE OF COLD-RELATED ILLNESSES IN BANGLADESH’S RANGPUR IN 3 DAYS

DHAKA, Jan 4 (Bernama-UNB) -- Severe cold has led to a surge in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses across Rangpur division, with 1,421 new patients admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital over the past three days and 103 deaths recorded from Jan 1–3, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.

Director of the hospital Brigadier General Ashiqur Rahman confirmed the figures on Saturday, noting a significant increase in patients in the medicine and paediatric wards, where 37 patients died.

The Rangpur Meteorological Office reported extremely low temperatures in the division on Saturday morning, with Nilphamari’s Saidpur recording 10.5°C, Panchagarh 10.6°C, Thakurgaon 10.7°C, Rangpur 11.2°C, Kurigram 11.5°C, Gaibandha 11.8°C, and Lalmonirhat 12°C. Dense fog is expected in the coming five days.

Officer-in-charge of the Rangpur Meteorological Office Mostafizar Rahman said due to Rangpur division’s proximity to the Himalayas, the cold is felt more intensely here compared to other parts of the country.

Over the past three days, the region has experienced severe cold due to icy winds and dense fog. Moderate to dense fog is expected in northern areas from late night until morning.

Night-time temperatures may drop slightly, while daytime temperatures will remain almost unchanged. The narrow difference between day and night temperatures is making the cold feel more intense, he added.

Authorities said the cold has severely affected daily life, particularly for low-income communities along the Teesta, Dharla, and Jamuna rivers. Measures have been taken to protect livestock, poultry, and zoo animals, including providing vitamin supplements and covering sheds.

The district Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Golam Kibria said 12,500 blankets have already been distributed and Tk 48 lakh (about US$43,000) has been allocated to provide warm clothing in eight upazilas to prevent cold-related suffering.

-- BERNAMA-UNB