Stressing that peace and harmony among littoral states are crucial to unlocking the Bay of Bengal's potential, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasised on Sunday that Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities. "By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," Adviser Hossain said while speaking at a seminar in the capital. He laid emphasis on their collective task to align diverse interests, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention; and a model for sustainable and inclusive development. Supported by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted the international seminar on "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the BIISS auditorium. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori spoke at the seminar as the special guest. The working sessions were chaired by Tarik A Karim, Chairperson of the Bay of Bengal Institute, Cosmos Foundation; and Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Other speakers included Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, and Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS. With its strategic location and growing industrial base, the Adviser said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain.  In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities, he said. As Bangladesh approaches its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, Adviser Hossain said, it stands at a critical juncture, facing both significant opportunities and complex challenges. The impending loss of preferential trade benefits and concessional financing necessitates a shift towards more competitive and innovative economic strategies. "To address these challenges effectively, Bangladesh must prioritise diversifying its trade portfolio, elevating the quality and value of its exports, and investing in advanced technologies to drive productivity and economic growth," Hossain said. Partnerships with regional and extra-regional stakeholders, particularly Japan, can provide the technological and financial support needed for Bangladesh to overcome these hardships, he said. Japan’s expertise in areas such as renewable energy, digital trade, and maritime logistics can play a transformative role in this context, said the Adviser, adding that the Bay of Bengal is not only an economic resource but also an ecological treasure.

A low-pressure area is likely to develop over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent regions within the next 36 hours, says the meteorological office. This low pressure is expected to move towards the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coast within the subsequent 48 hours. According to the 72-hour weather forecast issued on Monday midnight, Bangladesh's weather is expected to remain mostly dry over the next 24 hours, with partly cloudy skies in some areas. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to stay nearly unchanged during the period. The meteorological office also predicts similar weather conditions for the following 48 hours, with minimum variation in temperature levels. Read: Low pressure area likely to form within next 24hrs: BMD However, a gradual fall in nighttime temperatures is forecast over the next five-day period. This forecast aligns with the seasonal changes typically observed during this period, which could bring cooler nights in the coming days as winter approaches.

Coastal districts including Bagerhat, Khulna, Bhola and Satkhira are experiencing rain accompanied by gusty winds since Wednesday morning due to the impact of Cyclone 'Dana'  that is brewing over the Bay of Bengal and could make landfall in India’s eastern coast, from Puri to West Bengal. District administrations have taken necessary preparation to face potential impact of the cyclone although Bangladesh Metrological Department predicted that the cyclone is unlikely to hit Bangladesh coastline. Cyclonic storm Dana over the East Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining area is likely to move West-Northwestwards direction and intensify further, according to the latest bulletin issued BMD. Maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist cautionary signal-3. UNB Satkhira correspondent reports: The coastal areas in Shyamnagar upazila including areas adjacent to the Sundarbans’s Gabura, Padmapukur, and Burigoalini are experiencing rain since morning. Cyclone Dana: Coastal areas in Satkhira experience rain Zulfikar Ali Ripon, acting officer of the Satkhira Weather office, said the depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone on Wednesday and named ‘Dana.’ Rainfall may increase in the evening under the influence of the cyclone, he said. Shyamnagar Upazila Disaster Management officer Md Shahinul Alam said a total of 162 cyclone shelters, including 102 government shelters, were kept ready. Besides, adequate dry food were stocked and 2,980 members of the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) including women are kept standby, along with other volunteers. Prince Reza, sub-divisional officer of the Water Development Board in Shyamnagar, said there are approximately 360 kilometers of embankments in the area, with six to seven points being particularly vulnerable. Meanwhile, Salauddin, Executive Engineer of Satkhira Water Development Board-1, said three kilometers area  out of the 380 kilometers of embankments have been identified as extremely vulnerable. However, he assured that unless there is a major disaster, there is no immediate threat of the embankments collapse. Bagerhat deputy commissioner Kamrul Hasan, said all necessary preparations have been taken. A total of 359 cyclone shelters were opened in the nine upazilas of the district, with a capacity to accommodate 2,06,651 people. Eighty-four medical teams were formed while control rooms were opened in nine upazilas, he said. Our Bhola Correspondent reports: A total of 869 cyclone shelters were prepared in the district, said deputy commissioner Md Azad Zahan while speaking at an emergency meeting. At least 13,860 volunteers of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) are kept prepared and eight control rooms have been opened in the district. The administration is taking preparations to evacuate over residents from the vulnerable char areas to safe shelters. Meanwhile, currently there is a stock of 584 metric tons of rice, 350 packets of dry foods and Tk 9 lakh in cash in the relief fund of the district. Besides, the local administration is working to bring fishing trawlers to safety. As Cyclone Dana approaches, both Odisha and West Bengal are taking precautionary measures by evacuating residents from vulnerable areas and closing educational institutions, reports Indian media. The Indian Coast Guard has heightened its preparedness, mobilising vessels and aircraft to respond quickly to any emergencies due to the heavy rains expected in both states. Indian Mereological Department (IMD) predicted  that the cyclone could impact the eastern coast, from Puri to West Bengal. Cyclone Dana is predicted to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25, bringing wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts possibly reaching 120 kmph. In West Bengal, schools will remain closed in seven districts from October 23 to 26.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a warning as a deep depression over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal is on the verge of developing into a cyclonic storm. The system was last recorded at midnight near 15.9°N latitude and 90.1°E longitude. It has since moved west-northwestwards and is currently situated roughly 725 km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 650 km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 730 km south-southeast of Mongla port, and 680 km south-southeast of Payra port, according to Meteorologist Shaheenul Islam of the BMD on Wednesday. Met office warns of cyclonic storm as Bay depression intensifies The depression is expected to continue its west-northwesterly trajectory, with the potential to intensify into a cyclonic storm in the coming hours. Wind speeds around the system are already reaching 50 kph, with gusts up to 60 kph within a 48 km radius of its centre. Rough seas are anticipated around the deep depression, posing risks to maritime activities. Cyclone ‘Dana’ to make landfall on Oct 24 triggering 7-foot tidal surge Maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to maintain Distant Cautionary Signal No. One. Fishermen and crews of trawlers operating in the North Bay and the deep sea are urged to stay near the coast and proceed with caution, ready to seek shelter at short notice.

A powerful cyclonic storm, named Cyclone ‘Dana’, is expected to make landfall along the coasts of Bangladesh and India on October 24, posing a severe threat to the coastal regions. The cyclone, which developed from a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, is predicted to bring heavy winds and significant storm surges, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Monday, the IMD said that the cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea intensified into a low-pressure area, expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23. Cyclone Dana is likely to hit the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal before moving inland, with the districts of Satkhira and Khulna in Bangladesh, as well as West Bengal’s Midnapore and South 24 Parganas, among the areas expected to experience the brunt of the storm. Potential Impact on Bangladesh Using satellite data from Japan, meteorologists indicated that the storm’s intensity increased over the past 24 hours. As of Monday evening, the system had intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, located at approximately 15°N latitude and 92°E longitude, with wind speeds around 50 km/h near the storm's centre. Sundarbans getting back to normal a month after cyclone Remal Dana could make landfall between midnight on October 23 and 6:00 pm on October 24, potentially impacting Khulna division in Bangladesh as a severe cyclone. Wind speeds of 110 to 120 kilometres per hour are anticipated, which could cause significant damage to infrastructure and crops. Storm Surge Warnings The most severe threat from Cyclone Dana could be the storm surge, especially if the landfall coincides with high tide. Meteorologists warned that the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat could experience surges of 7 to 8 feet above normal tidal levels. In the event of low tide, surges of 3 to 5 feet are expected. Further south, the districts of Barguna, Patuakhali and Bhola may face storm surges ranging from 5 to 6 feet at high tide and 1 to 3 feet during low tide. Other coastal regions such as Noakhali and Chattogram could see surges between 3 to 5 feet, while Cox’s Bazar may experience slightly lower surges of 2 to 4 feet. Authorities Urge Vigilance Authorities have called on residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations. Local officials are working on preemptive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and high winds, while shelters are being readied to accommodate evacuees. Dana’s landfall and the ensuing storm surge could disrupt daily life in affected regions, and residents are advised to follow local warnings closely as the storm approaches. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and updates will be issued as new information becomes available.

A low pressure area is likely to form over the Eastcentral Bay and adjoining North Andaman Sea during next 24 hours commencing 9:00am on Sunday. A trough of low lies over North Bay. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country, according to a Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) update on Sunday morning. The country’s highest 74millimeter of rainfall was recorded in Chattogram’s  Sandwip in 24 hours till 6am on Sunday. Read more: Rains likely amid mild heat wave sweeping country, low pressure formed in Bay: BMD Day temperatures may rise slightly and night temperature may fall slightly over the country, according to the BMD. The country’s highest temperature was recorded in Sitakunda at 34.4 degree Celsius over the past 24 hours till 6pm on Saturday while the lowest temperature 21 degree Celsius was recorded in Panchagarh’s Tetulia till 6am on Sunday.

A low pressure area is likely to form over the Central Bay of Bengal on Tuesday (October 22), according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department. It also forecast rainfall and thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind at a few places over Khulna, Barishal & Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh and  Chattogram divisions in 24 hours commencing 9am on Saturday. Day temperature may rise slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country, it added.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported that the well-marked low over the Southwest Bay and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is moving west-northwestwards. According to the BMD, the depression is expected to continue moving in a west-northwesterly direction. In its latest forecast, the BMD also predicted rain or thundershowers in Khulna division within 24 hours, starting from 9:00 am on Wednesday. “Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely to occur at one or two places over Khulna division. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry with partly cloudy skies,” BMD said. Read: Fresh depression threatens rainfall, temperature changes in Bangladesh The highest recorded rainfall in the country over 24 hours, up until 6:00 am on Wednesday, was 14mm in Dinajpur. Day and night temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged across the country, according to the BMD. The highest temperature recorded during 24 hours, until 6:00 pm on Tuesday, was 35°C in Feni, Sitakunda, and Mongla, while the lowest temperature, 22.5°C, was recorded in Tetulia early Wednesday morning.

A low pressure area has formed over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky over the country in 24 hours from 9am on Monday, said a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Besides, Southwest monsoon has departed Bangladesh, it said. Read more: Rains likely amid mild heat wave sweeping country, low pressure formed in Bay: BMD BMD also predicted rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions in 24 hrs from 9am on Tuesday.

An eight-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the fire in two ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at Kutubdia point of the Bay of Bengal that occurred early Sunday, officials said. The Chittagong Port Authority formed the committee following the directive of Shipping and Textiles Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain. Commodore M Fazlar Rahman, a member of the Chittagong Port Authority (Harbor and Marine), will lead the investigation committee. Other members are Captain Md Faridul Alam, Deputy Conservator at Chittagong Port; Navy Commander Rafiqul Islam; Coast Guard Lt Commander Md Rakibul Islam Tanveer; Lt Md Noor Ashraful Aziz from DGFI; a designated representative from NSI; a designated representative from the Fire Service & Civil Defence; and Captain Sayed Ahmed, Controller of the Maritime Education (CC) Directorate of Shipping in Chittagong. 31 rescued after fire breaks out on LNG-carrying vessel off Ctg port The committee has been tasked to submit its report within the next five working days. Its objectives include determining the cause of the fire in MT Captain Nicholas and B-LPG Sofia, assessing the international standards for LPG transportation, assessing the suitability of the transported LPG, determining damages and liability arising from the incident, and formulating recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. The committee may also review any related matters and submit its findings. Earlier, the "B-LPG Sofia" lighter vessel caught fire after an explosion when it was at the outer anchorage of the Chittagong Port around 1am. Later, members of the Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy rescued 31 people from the vessel. The Shipping Adviser has expressed deep concern over the recent incidents of fires on ships and has instructed authorities to enhance security measures for vessels, emphasizing the need for maximum.