Rangpur, Nov. 11 -- A blanket of fog has begun covering parts of northern Bangladesh in the early morning, while a slight chill in the air signals the gradual transition towards winter.

Over the past week, residents of Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Gaibandha have noticed foggy mornings, although temperatures remain relatively mild and sunshine still brings some warmth during the day.

But the changing weather is already taking a toll on public health, with hospitals in the region reporting a growing number of patients suffering from cold-related illnesses, including fever, coughs and respiratory infections.

At Rangpur Medical College Hospital, 382 patients were admitted with cold-related illnesses over the past week, sa...