Bangladesh Meteorological Department

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is the national agency responsible for providing weather, climate and hydrological information to the government, public and various economic sectors. It issues daily forecasts, severe weather warnings and long‑term climate outlooks that support disaster preparedness, agriculture, aviation, maritime operations and water resource management. BMD collects data from a network of surface observation stations, upper‑air radiosondes, radar installations and satellite feeds across the country. The department also conducts research on monsoon dynamics, cyclone behaviour and climate change impacts relevant to Bangladesh. Its services are disseminated through websites, mobile alerts, radio broadcasts and direct communication with emergency management authorities. In July 2024 the BMD website experienced a defacement and temporary outage after being hacked by a group claiming affiliation with “TE4M UCC INDIAN H4CKERS,” highlighting the department’s reliance on digital platforms for public outreach.

BMD operates under the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Bangladesh, functioning as a civil service department rather than a commercial enterprise. Its mandate includes maintaining the national early‑warning system for cyclones, floods and other hydro‑meteorological hazards, a role that distinguishes it from private weather providers. The agency’s expertise in tropical meteorology and its responsibility for issuing official cyclone alerts give it a unique positioning within South Asia’s disaster risk reduction framework. BMD collaborates with international organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization and regional centres for data exchange and capacity building. While specific staff numbers or budget figures are not disclosed in the available sources, the department’s institutional status ensures stable government funding and accountability. As a core component of Bangladesh’s civil infrastructure, BMD continues to strengthen its observational and forecasting capabilities to serve the nation’s resilience needs.