By Shafiqul Islam Bebu

KURIGRAM, Dec 4, 2025 (BSS) - The northern district of Kurigram is reeling under an intensifying winter as cold winds and dense fog disrupt daily life, particularly in the remote char regions. 

Although no formal cold wave has been declared, temperatures continue to fall sharply, forcing many residents—especially day labourers—to remain indoors without work.

According to the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, Thursday’s lowest temperature in the district was recorded at 12.4°C. Heavy dew, resembling rainfall, has left homes, croplands, and pathways drenched, further complicating life for char dwellers.

Approximately 5.5 lakh people living in 469 chars along the banks of 16 rivers are currently exposed to severe hardship.

 The winter’s intensity is reportedly higher in areas such as Daikhawar Char, Char Gujimari, Dagarkuti, Ashtami Char, Sukher Bati and Char Bidyananda, where many residents lack warm clothing and basic protection from the cold.

Hossain Ali, a resident of Kalir Alga Char under Jatrapur Union, said more than 500 people in his area are facing acute difficulties due to a shortage of winter clothes.

For many, the nights are becoming unbearable.

“The cold keeps increasing every day. At night it feels like my body is freezing,” said Kalu Mia, 68, of Goyalpuri Char. “We light fires to keep warm, but the smoke burns our eyes. Still, there is no alternative.”

“Our misery starts with winter,” said Anwara Begum, 56. “The children catch colds because we don’t have enough clothes. No one has given us anything yet. It feels like whether we live or die, no one cares.”

Daily wage earners, too, are losing livelihoods. “I can’t go out to work because of the cold,” said Rahmat Ali, a young labourer. “Every day I worry about what I will feed my children. The cold is making survival harder.”

Meteorological officer Subal Chandra Sarkar said temperatures are expected to remain around 12°C for the next seven days, with the “feeling of cold” increasing further in exposed char regions.

Residents complain that even as the cold worsens, relief efforts have yet to reach many remote homes.

 They are urgently seeking winter clothes, medical support, and food assistance.

Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu, President of the Kurigram District Char Development Committee, highlighted the scale of vulnerability. 

He said that out of the district’s 23.29 lakh population, around 16,49 lakh live in poverty, with many residing in remote chars.

“Their suffering multiplies during winter,” he said, urging both authorities and affluent individuals to support cold-stricken families.

Deputy Commissioner Annapurna Debnath said the government has allocated Taka 54 lakh for winter clothing distribution across the district’s nine upazilas. A request has also been sent to the ministry for 80,000 blankets.

“The district administration is closely monitoring the situation to support helpless and cold-affected people, including those in the char areas,” the DC said.

As cold weather deepens, the struggle for warmth and survival continues for thousands in Kurigram’s char regions, underscoring the urgent need for swift and adequate relief.