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for the past three days, especially when the cold intensifies at night. We had to bring our baby to hospital for admission.”

Over the past three days till yesterday morning, at least 1,250 children were admitted to upazila and district headquarters hospitals across eight districts of Rangpur division, according to the health department.

Over 4,000 children -- suffering from pneumonia, breathing issues, cough, fever, diarrhoea and bronchitis -- have been treated at outpatient departments.

Dr Tapan Kumar Roy, a child specialist at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital, said children from poor and floating families are the most vulnerable. “Due to the lack of adequate warm clothing, nutritious food and proper shelter, children from these families are easily affected by cold-related illnesses. The situation of children in char areas and river erosion-affected regions is even more precarious.”

Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, a child specialist at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, said that during winter, children’s body temperature drops rapidly, weakening their immunity and increasing the risk of infection.

He stressed the importance of keeping children covered with warm clothing at all times, protecting them from cold air, and ensuring breastfeeding and nutritious food. “Parents should consult a doctor as soon as even mild symptoms appear.”