How BMD’s four out of five radars remain non-operational?

The state of the radar system used by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to issue timely forecasts is alarmingly poor.

According to a newspaper report, four out of the department’s five radars are non-functional. The question arises: how, then, is the department issuing forecasts?

We know that the monsoon is currently active across the country with full force, and the risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall, storms, and gusty winds persists in various regions. Radar can provide accurate, advanced information regarding atmospheric conditions, the location of rainfall, or the trajectory of thunderstorms.

Yet, the network of this technology—arguably the most critical component of the country’s weather monitoring system—has collapsed.

Why is the early warning system for weather in a climate-vulnerable nation like Bangladesh in such a dilapidated state? Weather warnings serve as the first line of defense in protecting human lives and property. Yet, the country’s critical weather monitoring and forecasting operations rely on single radar.

We believe that this represents not merely a technical failure, but a reflection of serious negligence regarding national security and disaster management.

It is true that weather data can also be obtained via satellites. However, despite the importance of such data, there is no substitute for radar when it comes to providing immediate and accurate information at the local level. Radar data is particularly indispensable for aviation, maritime transport, agriculture, and disaster management. We are astonished at how the equipment has remained inoperative for years.

Reportedly, only the radar in Dhaka, belonging to the department, is functional. The units in Rangpur, Moulvibazar, Cox’s Bazar, and Khepupara (Patuakhali) are out of order. Notably, the new radar in Rangpur has been shut down since June 17 due to a technical fault, while the remaining three radars have been non-functional for several years.

Mentionable, the 1970 Cyclone Gorky demonstrated the consequences of lacking weather forecasts, particularly in coastal regions like Bhola; rural residents, having received no warning, were left unprepared.

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension have complained that the lack of accurate and timely weather information has repeatedly led to crop losses worth crores of taka. Many farmers have even suffered losses in the cultivation of Boro paddy, maize, wheat, and vegetables due to the absence of early warnings.

Therefore, the non-functional radars must be made operational immediately. It is necessary to form an inquiry committee regarding the non-functional radars to determine if there was any negligence on the part of anyone at the Meteorological Department. Negligence in matters of such public importance—such as weather forecasting—is an unforgivable offense.