Bangladesh Declines Invitation to Attend India Meteorological Department's 150th Anniversary Celebration

Bangladesh's officials will not participate in the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities cited restrictions on non-essential foreign travel funded by the government. Mominul Islam, acting director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), confirmed receiving an invitation from the IMD a month ago.

"The India Meteorological Department invited us to their 150th anniversary celebrations. We maintain good relations and continue to collaborate with them," Islam stated. However, he mentioned that due to limitations on non-essential government-funded trips, they would not attend the event.

Regional Participation and Historical Context

The IMD has extended invitations to several neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Countries from the Middle East and Southeast Asia were also invited. A senior IMD official noted that all nations that were part of India when the IMD was founded 150 years ago were asked to join the celebration.

Pakistan has already confirmed its participation in the event. However, Bangladesh has yet to respond to the invitation. The IMD was established in 1875 during British colonial rule following severe weather events like the cyclone that hit Kolkata in 1864 and monsoon-related disasters in 1866 and 1871.

IMD's Evolution and Milestones

The IMD's initial headquarters was in Kolkata. It moved to Shimla in 1905, then Pune in 1928, and finally settled in Delhi in 1944. The department will officially celebrate its sesquicentennial on January 15, 2025.

Islam highlighted ongoing collaboration between BMD and IMD. He mentioned his recent visit to India on December 20, 2024, for a separate meeting with Indian meteorologists. This reflects the continuous engagement between the two meteorological agencies despite Bangladesh's absence at the anniversary event.

The IMD's establishment aimed to address devastating weather events affecting India during British rule. Its evolution over time marks significant milestones in meteorological advancements and regional cooperation.