Amirul Kabir Suzan, Mithapukur (Rangpur)

Mithapukur upazila of northern district Rangpur has increased the intensity of winter. Normal life of people has been ruined due to thick fog. A glimmer of light is missing in the misty sky in Konkan cold. In such a situation, small and big vehicles are moving on the roads and highways with their headlights on. The cold, helpless and poor people of the upazila have become frightened by the severity of winter. Especially the suffering of the working people has increased several times due to not having enough winter clothes. Meanwhile, due to thick fog, the presence of people on the road is less, but many people have left for work. However, they have to suffer as there are less battery operated autorickshaws on the road. Additional fare has to be calculated.

On Monday (December 11), fog was seen throughout the day. The steep roads of the upazila are also wet with dew drops of thick fog. The green nature is also covered in fog.

Meteorologist Mostafizur Rahman of Rangpur Meteorological Office said that the temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in the district on Monday.

Gholam Rabbani of Latibpur area of the upazila said that since last few days children are suffering from cold and cough due to cold. He went to the hospital for treatment and got the children treated. He said that this winter is more severe than last time.

Winter has also affected agriculture. Agricultural laborers are not available for work in the agricultural land, those who are available have to pay more money. In addition to fertilizers, seeds and irrigation, there is an additional cost in the wages of agricultural workers.

Farmer Fakhrul Islam said that there is danger of damage to agricultural land due to thick fog. Boro seeds and rabi crops are always damaged in winter. Plague with cold injury and rot especially increases.

Mithapukur Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Saiful Abedin said that the awareness of farmers has been increased and informed about what to do. Apart from this, there is enough preparation to deal with the situation.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Rashebul Islam said that services are being provided to children, women and elderly affected by winter diseases. Apart from this there is a monitoring team.

Upazila relief and resettlement officer Mohammad Moniruzzaman said that winter clothes will be distributed in Mithapukur upazila like every time. Preparations have already been made for the distribution of blankets at the union level.