Bangladesh is among the world’s top three disaster-prone countries (INFORM Risk Index, 2020). While floods and cyclones dominate public discourse, cold waves remain a recurrent yet underestimated hazard driven by the country’s geography. Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh experienced 81 cold waves, with a gradual increase in frequency and an average of 25.4 cold-wave days per year.

The public health toll has been significant. Research indicates that 5,610 deaths occurred during this period due to cold-wave conditions, disproportionately affecting children and older persons—an average of 280.5 deaths annually. Northern and north-western districts were particularly vulnerable, with Kurigram recording the highest mortality rate. 

Bangladesh is currently experiencing its first cold wave of the season, now lasting nearly a week. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the lowest temperature on 31 December 2025 was recorded in Gopalganj at 7.5°C. Temperatures have fallen to 8.8°C in Jashore and 9°C in Tetulia, while Dhaka recorded its seasonal low at 13.5°C during the last week of December. The mild to moderate cold spell has spread across Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Chuadanga, Nilphamari, and Gopalganj, bringing dense fog, transport disruptions, and heightened health risks for vulnerable groups. The strain on health services is already visible: at Agargaon Shishu Hospital alone, 1,234 children sought outpatient care on 23 December 2025 (Dhaka Tribune). Over 23–24 December, hospitals treated hundreds of children for cold-related illnesses, pneumonia, asthma, skin diseases, and diarrhoea—early signs of a growing seasonal public health burden.

What is a cold wave and when do they occur in Bangladesh?

In the context of Bangladesh, winter generally lasts from December through January and into the first week of February. During this period, cold air masses descend from the Himalayan foothills and enter Bangladesh from the north and northwest, causing temperatures to fall below normal levels. When temperatures drop beyond certain thresholds, the situation is classified as a cold wave.

Cold waves are categorised into four types based on temperature levels:

• Mild cold wave: 8–10°C

• Moderate cold wave: 6–8°C

• Severe cold wave: 4–6°C

• Extreme severe cold wave: Below 4°C

Cold waves usually persist for three to seven days and, in some cases, may last for even longer. Although there is no fixed pattern regarding how many cold waves occur each year, on average Bangladesh experiences one or two cold waves in December, two to three in January, and one in February.

Historical records from 2000 to 2019 show repeated instances of severe and extreme cold waves across different districts, particularly in Ishwardi (Pabna), Sreemangal (Moulvibazar), Rajshahi, Tetulia (Panchagarh), and Saidpur (Nilphamari), with temperatures occasionally falling below 3°C.

Regions most vulnerable to cold waves

Northern and north-western Bangladesh are the most cold-wave-prone areas. During winter, cold air flows from northern India—passing through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal—before entering Bangladesh from the northwest. This cold air typically enters through regions such as Rajshahi, Rangpur, and parts of Khulna Division including Satkhira, Jashore, and Kushtia, sometimes reducing temperatures to as low as 10°C or below.

Districts frequently affected include Kurigram, Thakurgaon, Rangpur, Panchagarh, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Rajshahi, Bogura, Sirajganj, Rangamati, Bandarban, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sylhet. In some cases, Sherpur and Jamalpur in Mymensingh Division and western parts of Dhaka Division—such as Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, and Tangail—are also affected.

Mortality due to cold waves in Bangladesh

Reliable nationwide data on cold-wave-related deaths remain limited, apart from reports in daily newspapers and situation reports. However, a study examining the relationship between temperature and mortality in rural Bangladesh found that overall mortality increased within 0–13 days following exposure to low temperatures.

Month-wise analysis of mortality data shows that more than 90 percent of cold-wave-related deaths occur in December and January, with January alone accounting for the highest number of fatalities. Kurigram has the highest district-level mortality rate, with 163.63 deaths per million population per year. Rangpur Division ranks highest overall in terms of mortality, followed by Rajshahi Division. Experts note that the absence of routine post-mortem examinations makes it difficult to determine the exact number of deaths caused by cold-related illnesses.

Cold waves and public health

Cold waves have significant public health implications. Research shows that for every 1°C drop in temperature, overall mortality can increase by up to 3.2 percent (Hashizume et al., 2009). Another study conducted in Matlab Upazila of Chandpur District between 1982 and 2008 found a clear association between low temperatures and increased neonatal mortality. Extreme cold increases the risk of various illnesses, particularly among people with weakened immunity and those suffering from malnutrition.

• Common cold, cough, and fever: These viral illnesses are more prevalent in winter, and cold waves facilitate their spread.

• Respiratory diseases: Reduced humidity, dust, and airborne allergens during cold waves exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and allergic conditions.

• Pneumonia: As respiratory infections increase in winter, pneumonia cases also rise.

• Influenza: The influenza virus is more active during winter, and cold waves accelerate transmission.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Sudden drops in temperature increase blood pressure, strain heart function, and raise the risk of heart attacks.

• Skin diseases: Dry winter air contributes to cracked skin, eczema, and itching.

Other conditions such as chronic respiratory illness, kidney disease, rheumatic fever, and heart disease may also worsen during cold weather.

Accidents and visibility hazards

Dense fog and reduced visibility during cold waves lead to a higher incidence of road accidents, further increasing mortality and injury risks.

Impact on children and older persons

Children and older adults are the most vulnerable to cold waves due to weaker temperature regulation mechanisms. They face a higher risk of hypothermia and cold-related complications.

Keeping children healthy during cold waves

• Do not bathe newborns or mothers in cold water

• Dress children in warm clothing, including socks, sweaters, and caps

• Avoid taking children outdoors unless absolutely necessary

• Breastfeed infants under six months frequently

• Provide nutritious complementary foods alongside breastfeeding for children over six months

• Bathe children briefly using lukewarm water if needed

Immediate medical attention is required if a child shows signs such as breathing difficulty, persistent cough, convulsions, refusal to feed, vomiting, abnormally low body temperature, or loss of consciousness.

Protecting older persons

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Older persons should avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary, particularly during cold weather or adverse conditions.
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They are advised to wear warm clothing at all times to maintain adequate body temperature.
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Exposure to dust should be minimised, as it may aggravate respiratory conditions.
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Excessive physical exertion should be avoided, especially in cold environments.
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Older persons should not sleep directly on cold floors, as this increases the risk of hypothermia and joint pain.
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Walking barefoot should be avoided, particularly on cold surfaces.
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Wearing clean, dry, and warm clothing is strongly recommended to help retain body heat and prevent illness.

Impact on livelihoods

Cold waves significantly disrupt livelihoods. Daily activities across occupations are hampered, with children, older people, women, and marginalised and poor populations facing severe hardship. Agricultural production is particularly affected. Seedbeds for Boro rice and other crops are damaged by excessive cold, leading to reduced yields. Fog and cold disrupt transportation and communication systems, limiting access to essential services and causing economic losses.

Reducing cold-wave impacts through community engagement

Cold waves are a recurring winter phenomenon in Bangladesh and pose serious public health risks. These risks can be reduced through enhanced public engagement at both governmental and non-governmental levels. Community engagement is essential for raising awareness, strengthening winter preparedness, facilitating access to healthcare, and ensuring effective local leadership.

Public awareness through media and community action

• Community-based campaigns using local languages and culturally appropriate methods.

• Health education through Union Parishads, Community Clinics, schools, mosques, and neighbourhood meetings.

• Dissemination of essential information on cold-related diseases, symptoms, prevention, and protective measures.

• Special advisories for children, older persons, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

• Promotion of hygiene practices, including handwashing and mask use.

• Information on available healthcare services and emergency contact points.

• Guidance on appropriate clothing and nutrition during winter.

• Information on government-led winter social protection and relief programmes.

Television, radio, social media platforms, mobile phone messaging, print media, posters, banners, pamphlets, and school-based programmes can all play a vital role. Addressing misinformation related to cold waves is equally important.

In Bangladesh, cold waves and extreme winter temperatures have emerged as a recurring yet underestimated public health challenge, disproportionately affecting poor, marginalised, and climate-vulnerable populations. The rise in respiratory infections, cold-related illnesses, and preventable deaths during winter months underscores the urgent need to treat cold waves not as isolated weather events, but as predictable public health emergencies. Strengthening community engagement alongside hospital and primary healthcare preparedness remains one of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks.

Reducing the public health burden of cold waves demands coordinated and sustained action across government agencies, health systems, and non-government actors. Local medical professionals and public health institutions have a critical role to play in generating context-specific evidence, improving surveillance, and informing practical preparedness measures. By investing in evidence generation, expanding public awareness, ensuring timely access to healthcare services, and mobilising communities before and during cold waves, Bangladesh can substantially reduce avoidable suffering and deaths—and better safeguard its most vulnerable citizens against future winter extremes.

Dr. Tawfima Islam is a public health professional and Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College

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