On July 22, 2025, the second MET Club of Bangladesh was inaugurated at Firoz Shah City Corporation Girls’ High School, located in the North Pahartali Ward under Chattogram City Corporation. This initiative has been implemented by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) with financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), overall support from Save the Children, and technical assistance from the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES).
The event was graced by Md. Ahmadul Haque, Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, as the chief guest. Special guests included Dr. Kissinger Chakma, Chief Education Officer of Chattogram City Corporation; Md. Rahmat Ullah, Deputy Country Director of Save the Children Bangladesh; Md. Kamrul Islam, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department; Meteorologist Dr. Abul Kalam Mallik; Hafiz Ahmed, Deputy Director of CPP Chattogram; and Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA. The event was presided over by the Head Teacher of the school, Md. Saiful Islam, and was hosted by YPSA Project Officer Muhammad Ataul Hakim.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Nasim Banu, YPSA’s Director of Social Development; Dr. Shamsunnahar Chowdhury Lopa, Management Advisor; Simon Rahman, Senior Manager (Humanitarian), Save the Children; Jabed Miyandad, Manager (Anticipatory Action), Save the Children; Fatema Meherunnesa, Manager; and Sanjida Akter, YPSA Project Manager (Anticipatory Action), among others.
The program began with the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash involving Milestone School on July 21. Following a tree planting ceremony, the MET Club was officially inaugurated. During the event, club members presented the activities of the MET Club to the guests through a video presentation and a description of their responsibilities.
After the inauguration, a special demonstration on anticipatory action was performed by the students under the direction of Saharear Akash and Sabikun Nahar. A brief discussion session followed. During his speech, the chief guest Md. Ahmadul Haque expressed deep condolences and prayers for the souls of those who died in the Milestone accident. He said, “I feel honored and delighted to be present at the inauguration of the Weather Club at Firoz Shah City Corporation Girls’ High School. This initiative is undoubtedly timely and sparks scientific awareness among youth. In disaster-prone countries like Bangladesh, where cyclones, floods, heavy rain, lightning, drought, and landslides frequently disrupt lives, understanding early warnings and taking precautionary measures can significantly reduce loss of life and property.”
Addressing the students, he added, “Through this club, students will gain knowledge about weather, learn about early warnings, and eventually spread this knowledge among their families, neighbors, and communities. In this way, they can play a transformative role in disaster preparedness and management.”
Special guest Md. Rahmat Ullah, Deputy Country Director of Save the Children, said, “The MET Club will undoubtedly contribute to fostering research-oriented thinking, environmental awareness, and a proactive approach to disaster preparedness among students.”
Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, encouraged students by saying, “Participate regularly in Weather Club activities, learn and share what you know with others. That way, we can build a conscious, prepared, and safe generation.”