Bangladesh’s first weather club was inaugurated at Banigram Sadhanpur High School in Banshkhali on May 19, 2025. Simultaneously, a colorful rally and tree planting program were held to mark World Meteorological Day (at a changed time).
The weather club was inaugurated as part of the “Child-centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh” project, implemented by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), supported by Save the Children, and technical assistance from RIMES.
Mohammad Jamshedul Alam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Banshkhali, presided over the inauguration ceremony and the World Meteorological Day celebration. The Chief Guest was Md. Momenul Islam, Director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Special Guests included Md. Mostaq Hossain, Director (Humanitarian) of Save the Children; S. M. Quamrul Hassan, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department; Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik, Meteorologist at Bangladesh Meteorological Department; Mohammad. Shahjahan, Director (Knowledge Management for Development) of YPSA, a sustainable development organization; and K. M. Salauddin Kamal, Chairman of Sadhanpur Union Parishad.
The Head Teacher of the school, A. K. M. Moin Uddin, gave a welcome address. Also present were Javed Meandad, Manager (Anticipatory Action) of Save the Children; Samia Jahan, Coordinator of RIMES; Sanjida Akther, Project Manager of YPSA; and Prabal Barua, Project Coordinator, among others. The program was anchored by Project Officer Muhammad Ataul Hakim.
In his speech, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance and practical aspects of the weather club. He stated that the establishment of the Met Club at Banigram Sadhanpur High School is a matter of pride as it is the first of its kind in Bangladesh. He expressed his belief that if this club is successful, it will serve as a model for many places both domestically and internationally. He added that the success of the MET Club would lie in students acquiring meteorological knowledge and mentally preparing for disaster management, thereby playing an effective role. He hoped that the MET Club would be replicated in every district and upazila of Bangladesh, and assured that the Bangladesh Meteorological Department would always extend its cooperation in this endeavor.
In the second part of the program, a drama titled “What to do during a landslide,” directed by Kalyan Barua and Nokanai Lal Das and performed by the students of Banigram Sadhanpur High School, was staged. Additionally, a drawing competition on what to do to prevent landslides was held, with participation from various students of the school. The winners of the first, second, and third places, along with all participants, received prizes from the guests.
During this time, representatives from Save the Children, RIMES, YPSA, the school management committee, Sadhanpur UP members, community volunteers, students, and people from various professions were present.