Dhaka, November 20, 2025:- The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) launches “Mobile Phone Optimized Website” to strengthen disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh. BMD has inaugurated its new Mobile Phone Optimized Website, designed to deliver weather forecasts, warnings, and climate information to the public more quickly, easily, and reliably. The platform has been developed under the JICA-funded Technical Assistance (TAPP) project “Strengthening the Capacity of Weather and Climate Services.”
The inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday (20-11-2025) at the Multipurpose Hall of the Bangladesh Military Museum, Dhaka. Mr. Md Ashraf Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Defence, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh, and Brigadier General Mohammad Saifur Rahman, Wing Chief, Wing-3, Ministry of Defence, attended as Special Guests. The event was chaired by Mr. Md Mominul Islam, Director, BMD.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and various stakeholder organizations-including Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Fisheries And Livestock (MoFL), Dhaka University (DU), Bangladesh Television (BTV); City Corporations, Civil Aviation Authority, Fire Service & Civil Defence, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives were present. Officials from Economic Relations Division (ERD), Planning Commission, Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation Division (IMED), JICA Bangladesh (including technical experts), Norwegian meteorological and climate specialists, and representatives from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Armed Forces Division also attended the ceremony.
Bangladesh remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Cyclones, floods, thunderstorms, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall frequently disrupt lives and livelihoods. In this context, fast, accurate, and user-friendly weather information has become essential for saving lives. With more than 90% of Bangladesh’s population using mobile phones, the newly launched Mobile Phone Optimized Website opens a new avenue for delivering early warnings swiftly to people across the country.
Key features of the website include: fast loading capability in low-bandwidth conditions, fully responsive design suitable for all mobile screens, rapid delivery of forecasts and alert messages, enhanced visualization of radar, satellite, and weather maps, improved integration with early warning dissemination systems, etc.
This platform aims to support farmers, fishermen, urban residents, disaster managers, policymakers, and emergency service professionals by ensuring quick and reliable access to weather information. The initiative also aligns with the WMO’s “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” global agenda.
Speakers at the event commended JICA’s long-standing support and noted that its technical assistance has significantly strengthened BMD’s forecasting capabilities. BMD reiterated its commitment to further improving forecast accuracy, enhancing public awareness, and strengthening coordination with media and local authorities.
