Dhaka, Jan 10: The cold wave in Bangladesh continued to take its toll today as the mercury dipped further to 6 degree celsius paralyzing normal life throughout the country.

The current cold spell, second of the season is into its fourth day and has so far claimed around 150 lives including 73 deaths recorded yesterday, media reports here said. People are battling against chilly winds and the minimum temperatures remained between six and nine degree celsius in most places of the northern region, the official BSS news agency said.

Bangladesh is experiencing one of coldest winters and this has prompted the prime minister to issue directives for distribution of warm clothes among the poor and the needy.

Besides deaths due to cold, hundreds of people are suffering and many have been hospitalized due to cold related diseases.

According to weather officials the second spell could intensify further today bringing temperatures down by one or two degree celsius. The situation is likely to improve from tomorrow afternoon, they said.

The death toll has risen to 319 since the beginning of the season, a senior met department official was quoted as saying.

Bureau Report