A cold spell sweeping northern Bangladesh left at least 17 people dead in the past three days while dense fog disrupted public transportation in the region near the Himalayan foothills, officials and news reports said yesterday.

The deaths were reported in a region where temperatures dropped to 9 C, well below normal in this tropical nation, United News of Bangladesh news agency reported.

"We have reports about some cold-related deaths, but I can't right now specify the number," said Muklershur Rahman, a government relief official in the region. Rahman did not provide further details.

Most victims were elderly people and children from poor families, the reports said. Many of the victims suffered from fever, pneumonia or diarrhea, or died of exposure.

"In winter, people here die more from cold-related diseases because of malnutrition and lack of timely medical treatment," said Faruk Rahman, a doctor at a State-run hospital in the region.

Source: China Daily/agencies