Dhaka, Dec. 31 -- A cold wave has engulfed five districts and two divisions, with mercury in several regions increasing after fog cleared.

A mild to moderate cold was sweeping over the districts of Madaripur, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna and Sirajganj and the Khulna and Barishal divisions, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

In the 24 hours ending at 6am on Wednesday, the Met Office said, Bangladesh's lowest minimum temperature of 7.5degC was recorded in Gopalganj.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir said this was the lowest temperature recorded this winter.

A mild cold wave occurs when the minimum temperature remains between 10degC and 8degC, while a moderate cold wave is defined as when the minimum temperature d...