Md. Tanzim Hossain

The bustling sidewalks of the city seem like silent witnesses to an endless, muted cry. As icy winds and dense fog blanket the mornings, the city's pavements become the temporary refuge for shivering, homeless individuals. Struggling against the biting cold, these people desperately seek warmth—sometimes wrapping themselves in paper or plastic, or lighting scraps of wood or plastic to keep the chill at bay.

Their suffering is so vivid that it pierces the heart with an unspoken lament. Deprived of warm clothing, they tremble through the freezing nights as if silently pleading, "Don’t we have the right to live too?" Yet, amidst the city's luxurious life, their cries often go unheard. From behind the tinted windows of luxury vehicles, the plight of these people may be glimpsed momentarily, but seldom does a helping hand reach out. For them, winter is not merely a season—it is a relentless battle against nature's wrath and society's indifference.

Rickshaw-puller Rukun shared, "My hands and feet go numb from the cold, but I have no choice but to keep pulling the rickshaw. How else will I feed my family of five?" Their fight for survival never pauses, but winter only adds to their struggle.

The biting cold takes an even harsher toll on the street children sleeping on sidewalks. Many wear tattered, worn-out clothes; some have none at all. Beneath the dew-laden darkness of the night, every single hour becomes an unbearable challenge.

Even though the city experiences milder winters compared to other regions, the fierce winds and foggy mornings make life increasingly difficult for these vulnerable individuals. Meteorologists warn that temperatures could drop further, a change that could bring even graver risks—perhaps akin to a deadly frost for those who are already suffering.

Will there ever be a day when warm blankets or a kind gesture of compassion reach these people? Will anyone extend a hand of empathy to turn their frosty nights into bearable ones? If these questions can awaken our collective conscience, perhaps the faces of those on the pavements might one day reflect a glimpse of solace.

The write ia an Educator and Journalist