Dhaka, 11 February, 2021 Thursday: Geographically, Bangladesh is a natural disaster pronecountry. Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is the only state agency for providing weather and climate forecast. BMD provides regular daily weather forecasts and special weather forecasts & warning signals during various natural disasters related to weather and climate. Government and non-government organizations involved in disaster management to protect human lives and properties during various natural disasters. Different agencies follow the weather forecast and take necessary action. During various natural disasters related to weather and climate,
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is the main organization to take activities to rescue the people from the disaster affected area and provide them shelter and emergency medical care. To increase the scope of activities conducted by the BDRCS depending on the weather forecasts today February 11, 2021 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between BMD and BDRCS to enhance bilateral cooperation for more better service during the hazardous weather and various natural hazards through implementing of several projects. Mr. Shamsuddin Ahmed, Director, BMD and the Secretary General of the BDRCS Mr. Md. Feroz Salah Uddin have signed the MoU on behalf of their respective departments at the presence of the honourable Senior Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD) Dr. Md. Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal, ndc.
The signing of this MoU will establish cooperation between the two organizations in strengthening Forecasting Activities/Financing (FA/F) initiatives in Bangladesh. As an associated organization of the Government of Bangladesh BDRCS has been implementing Forecast-based Financing projects in flood prone areas. Disaster preparedness activities are conducted on the basis of weather forecast through this project. Evacuation of high-risk populations based on cyclone forecast from Bangladesh Meteorological Department, distribution of dry food, safe drinking water to cyclone shelters and providing first aid etc. these existing activities will be more dynamic and effective. Immediate and uninterrupted weather forecasting is essential for conducting disaster preparedness activities, which BMD has been providing more effectively and efficiently. As a result of the signing of this MoU, mutual cooperation activities between the two organizations will help to contribute in the socio-economic development of the country by reducing the loss of lives and properties. It will also, play an important role in development and contribute to high quality sustainable development by providing comparative advantage of both the organizations.
