Three years on, Cox’s Bazar weather radar yet to be restored

The weather radar of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in Cox’s Bazar has remained inactive for more than three years due to the expiry of its components’ service life, limiting the monitoring of weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal and the coastal region.
The radar stopped functioning on 4 August 2023, according to Assistant Meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Department Md Abdul Hannan.
The issue was subsequently reported to higher authorities and the district administration. Several letters were sent to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the technical assistance provider, at the end of 2023.
A Japanese expert team visited the radar station in 2024 and found the existing building suitable for continued use, recommending the installation of new equipment.
The matter was later raised at the District Commissioners’ Conference in 2024, where a policy decision was taken to retain the existing building and procure new equipment with government funds to restore the radar.
The BMD said a feasibility study has since been completed for a project titled “Upgrading the Quality of Meteorological Radars in Cox’s Bazar, Khepupara and Moulvibazar”, aimed at upgrading the three existing radars in the locations.
A meeting of the Project Verification Committee was held on the proposed project, and the process of reorganising the Development Project Proposal (DPP) is now underway in line with the meeting’s decisions. However, the project is yet to receive final approval.
The prolonged shutdown has raised concerns over the country’s disaster preparedness, particularly in Cox’s Bazar, one of the most cyclone-prone coastal districts. Radar data is crucial for monitoring rainfall, tracking weather systems and detecting rapid changes in atmospheric conditions.
The outage is particularly concerning for fishing boats and fishermen operating in the Bay of Bengal. Even a few hours’ advance warning during rapidly deteriorating weather can be critical for vessels seeking to return safely to shore.
The absence of the local radar also limits real-time weather monitoring during cyclones and depressions, when authorities need to make rapid decisions on evacuation, shelter preparation, warnings for boats and deployment of rescue teams, experts warned.
According to BMD officials, the radar station once had 18 posts, including an engineer, for maintenance. Only four people are currently working at the station, with the assistant meteorologist also responsible for its maintenance.
The radar station, located about 160 feet above ground level, was established in 1969 and modernised in 2007. Its equipment eventually reached the end of its service life, leading to its shutdown on 4 August 2023.
Experts said maintaining functional and modern weather-monitoring systems is essential for effective disaster management, as early warnings can help authorities take preventive measures and save lives and property.
They urged the authorities to complete the ongoing project process quickly, restore the radar to full operation and ensure regular maintenance to prevent prolonged disruptions in the future.