Photo : BSS

KURIGRAM, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS) - A mild cold wave sweeping over Kurigram has intensified public suffering, particularly in the riverine char areas, as dense fog and icy winds disrupt daily life across the northern district.

According to the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Observatory, the lowest temperature recorded in Kurigram on Wednesday was 8.5 degrees Celsius, while humidity stood at 99 percent. The combination of low temperature and high moisture has increased the severity of the cold.

The cold wave has badly affected daily wage earners, including agricultural laborers, boatmen and van drivers. Persistent fog since early morning has halted normal activities, leaving many without work and income and raising fears of an impending food crisis among poor families.

People living in the char areas are the worst sufferers. In Begumganj union of Ulipur upazila, which is isolated by the Brahmaputra River, the demand for winter clothes has surged. Union Parishad Chairman Bablu Mia said about 32,000 people live in more than 30 chars in the union.

“Every day, 200 to 300 people come seeking blankets, but we have received only 100 blankets officially so far, which is far from sufficient,” he said.

Although 61 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are registered in the district, local residents allege that their activities in char areas remain largely invisible amid the ongoing cold wave.

Kurigram District Char Development Committee President Professor Shafiqul Islam Bebu said around 70 percent of the district’s population lives in poverty, with 53 percent extremely poor and 37 percent landless. He added that 101,989 people in the district are living with disabilities and are particularly vulnerable during winter.

“In this situation, coordinated initiatives by both government and private organisations are urgently needed,” he said.

Educationist and journalist Professor Liaquat Ali said a gap between official statistics and the reality on the ground. “Winter clothes have yet to reach many char areas along the Brahmaputra River,” he said, adding that some distribution has taken place in around 269 chars, including Kazia Char in Bhurungamari upazila and Baraber Char in Char Rajibpur.

District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin said that 27,000 blankets have been distributed so far across nine upazilas of the district.

However, local residents insist that the actual demand for winter clothes in char areas far exceeds the number distributed.

 They fear that if the cold wave persists, the hardship and suffering of vulnerable people will intensify further.