The cold wave sweeping through the south-western part of the country over the last four days has paralysed normal life. In Jhenidah, the people, especially those of poor and marginalized families, are the worst victims of the biting cold as they hardly have sufficient warm clothes to fight the chill.  Sources at the office of the department of agricultural extension (DAE) in Jhenidah said the mercury dropped to 9 degree Celsius on January 23. Taking advantage of the situation the sellers of warm clothes have increased the prices up to 300 per cent in recent days. In Bogra, as biting cold continues to cause sufferings to the people, sellers of warm clothes are doing brisk business. The cold affected people are purchasing new and second-hand warm clothes at higher prices. People living along the river basin areas of the district are the worst sufferers. Abdul Hannan Miah, a rickshaw puller, who lives in a makeshift house on the embankment of the Jamuna River at Rowadaha village of Sariakandi upazila of Bogra, said, "We have been suffering extremely due to severe cold for the last few days. So, I have come to the town to buy some second-hand warm clothes for my family members.” Prices of the clothes are much higher compared to last year, he added.  In Bhola, at least three people have died and a large number of people, including children, were attacked by cold-related diseases.
Shariar Chawdhury, Chairman of Monpura upazila, said the three people-Sirajul Haque, 85, Nurul Haque, 70 and Avinash Nandi, 85, of Char Faijuddin village -died from cold-related diseases on Saturday last. Earshad Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Monpura, said biting cold wave is sweeping over the upazila here for the last two days. Monpura Hospital sources said four child patients suffering from pneumonia were admitted to the hospital on Saturday.   
In Rajbari, biting cold, accompanied by dense fog, has paralysed the normal life in the district. Vehicles moved   slowly with head lights on and ferry services were delayed for one hour on the Padma route yesterday. The mercury starts falling after midday and hits the lowest level after the evening. The lowest temperature was recorded on Wednesday at 13 degree Celsius.  Shafiqul Islam, officer in-charge of Daulatdia ferry terminal of the Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said ferry services are being hampered on Daulatdia- Paturia river route due to thick fog.
Rajbari district Relief and Rehabilitation office (DRRO) sources said DRRO office received only 7,350 pieces of warm clothes from the concerned  ministry and those have been sent to five upazilas  of the district for distribution among the cold-hit people.
 In Meherpur, thick fog along with gusty winds has paralysed the normal life of the people over the last three days.  The sun remains invisible almost all the day. Normal activities are being hampered and the prevailing cold and foggy weather have forced the people to remain indoors. The day laborers have to work in the unbearable weather for their livelihood. Vehicles are moving in fewer numbers on the highway due to poor visibility. Sources at  Meherpur General Hospital said on Saturday 50 patients have been admitted into the hospital with cold-related diseases. Of them, 42 are children.