By DST’s Editorial Team,
While winter brings comfort and joy to the wealthy and the well-off, it becomes a season of suffering for the poor. Severe cold disrupts the livelihoods of day laborers and makes it extremely difficult for them to protect themselves due to the lack of warm clothing. As a result, they suffer on two fronts: loss of income and exposure to cold.
This winter, three consecutive days of biting cold have sharply increased the hardship of poor and homeless people. The concern is that, according to the Meteorological Department, this cold spell may continue for several more days, further worsening their suffering.
Media reports quoting the Meteorological Department say that the lowest temperature on Friday was recorded in Jashore at 9 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka recorded a minimum of 13.5 degrees Celsius. The forecast warns that temperatures may fall further in the coming days, with intensified cold and persistent fog. This outlook applies to the 120-hour (five-day) period starting from Thursday evening.
The intensified cold has been attributed to a subcontinental high-pressure system, whose extended influence currently covers parts of West Bengal and adjacent areas of India. This system may further increase the severity of winter in Bangladesh.
Standing beside cold-stricken people is a humanitarian responsibility for the affluent one that cannot be avoided under any excuse. Helping the helpless, poor, and homeless survive the cold is both a moral and religious duty that reflects compassion and social solidarity.
If the government, along with voluntary organizations and individuals, steps forward with winter clothing, financial aid, food, and medicine, it will ease the suffering of those affected. However, it must be acknowledged that growing consumerism has weakened humanitarian values in society, as seen during the COVID-19 crisis when support for the needy was limited. Yet helping one another in times of hardship remains a fundamental moral obligation.
We hope that even small contributions from individuals, alongside government efforts, will bring relief to the needy, especially children and the elderly. We therefore make a heartfelt appeal to all to extend a helping hand according to their capacity. In this effort, young people must play an active role in raising awareness through social media and other platforms.
