President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages ahead of World Meteorological Day 2024, which will be observed on Saturday. This day commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a specialized agency of the UN.

The theme for this year's World Meteorological Day is "At the Frontline of Climate Action," emphasizing the crucial role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in ensuring the safety and well-being of society.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin highlighted the efforts of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in implementing various projects aimed at minimizing the damage caused by weather-related phenomena. He mentioned the integration of advanced technologies such as wind measuring systems and digital barometers to enhance weather monitoring and disaster prediction capabilities. The president expressed hope that these advancements would enable more accurate and timely forecasts, ultimately reducing the impact of natural disasters.

Furthermore, President Shahabuddin underscored the government's commitment to addressing climate change and natural disasters to achieve the sustainable development goals set by the UN. He emphasized the importance of leveraging modern scientific technologies to deliver weather and climate-related services efficiently to the public.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh's vulnerability to natural disasters and emphasized the government's determination to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. She highlighted initiatives such as the 100-year delta plan and five-year plans focusing on climate change adaptation as part of the government's strategy.

Prime Minister Hasina also commended the efforts to modernize the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, enhancing its capacity to provide forecasts and warnings for various natural disasters. Through the implementation of modern techniques and technologies, she expressed confidence that Bangladesh would progress towards becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieve developed status by 2041.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of effective meteorological services in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the nation's sustainable development. Their messages underscored Bangladesh's commitment to leveraging science and technology to address environmental challenges and promote resilience in the face of natural disasters.