Photo : BSS

NAOGAON, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - A severe cold wave has intensified in the 
district since the beginning of Paush, worsening the suffering of low-income 
and daily wage earners. 

Dense fog, biting cold winds and the absence of sunlight for most of the day 
have disrupted normal life, leaving many poor workers without employment and 
income.

According to local weather data, the lowest temperature recorded in the 
district on Sunday was 12.6 degrees Celsius, while air humidity stood at 99 
percent. Thick fog blanketed the town throughout the day, reducing visibility 
and forcing people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Over the past 
few days, temperatures in the district have fluctuated between 11 and 13 
degrees Celsius.

The impact of the cold has been most severe on daily wage earners who depend 
on physical labor for survival. Early in the morning, workers from nearby 
villages gathered at labor points such as Mukti Mor, Bridge Mor and the 
Shibpur Bridge (Bypass), hoping to find work. Many were seen waiting with 
baskets and spades, but a large number returned home empty-handed due to a 
lack of job opportunities.

Seventy-year old laborer Abul Kashem, waiting at Mukti Mor, said the cold had 
become unbearable in recent days. "Earlier the cold was tolerable, but now it 
is extreme with strong winds. It is difficult to go out, but hunger forces us 
to search for work. I am constantly catching cold and coughing. We survive on 
daily earnings, and the fall in income has put us in serious trouble," he 
added.

Another worker, Taslim, described the harsh conditions he faces every 
morning. "The fog is thick and the cold is bitter. When I ride my bicycle to 
look for work, my hands and feet become numb. If we don't work, we can't 
survive actually poor people have no choice. I have been coming here for the 
last two days but haven't found any work," he said.

Hajer Ali, 65, who came to the bridge intersection in search of employment, 
said winter had almost halted work opportunities. "Our work depends on many 
things, including sunlight. Since winter began, there has been very little 
work. Even if the wages are low, I accept whatever I can get. Some days we 
find work, some days we don't. If there is no work, we return home and wait," 
he added.

With the cold expected to persist, the ongoing situation has raised concerns 
over the livelihoods and well-being of vulnerable communities in the 
district, particularly daily wage earners who are struggling to cope with 
both the weather and declining employment opportunities.