A winter cold wave combined with dense fog disrupted transport and daily life across large parts of Bangladesh on Thursday, as river accidents left several people dead and major ferry routes were suspended nationwide.

Temperatures dropped sharply in northern and central districts, while thick fog reduced visibility on highways, waterways, and at key transport hubs. Authorities issued cautions as conditions worsened through the early morning hours, affecting commuters, passengers, and logistics operations.

Deadly Launch Collisions on Major Rivers

At least several passengers were killed and dozens injured after multiple passenger launches collided on the Meghna River in the early hours of the day. Officials said dense fog severely limited visibility, contributing to the crashes. Rescue teams were deployed immediately, and investigations into safety lapses are underway.

In a separate incident in Narayanganj, a passenger launch struck a sand-laden barge on the Buriganga River, leaving two workers missing. Search and rescue operations continued throughout the day as river traffic remained hazardous.

Ferry Services Suspended on Key Routes

Ferry operations on major Padma and Jamuna crossings—including the Paturia–Daulatdia and Aricha–Kazirhat routes—were temporarily suspended due to near-zero visibility. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded, causing delays in goods movement and inter-district travel.

In and around Dhaka, including Savar, Keraniganj, and Gazipur, commuters faced slow traffic and reduced visibility during morning hours. Similar conditions were reported across Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Khulna, and Barishal divisions, where cold weather intensified hardship for low-income communities.

Meteorological officials said the cold wave is likely to persist, with fog continuing to affect transport safety in the coming days.